Is CBT useful in vocational rehabilitation for people with a psychiatric disability?

People with a psychiatric disability can experience difficulty in gaining and maintaining employment. Some of these difficulties are related to problems in managing employment-related stress. The aim of this study was to pilot a vocationally-oriented cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) training program for people receiving public mental health services in Australia. Thirteen participants completed the program and reported significant improvements in general mental health, optimism and attitudes to work following training. The utility of CBT approaches to vocational rehabilitation for people with a psychiatric disability requires rigorous testing. It is likely that this approach may best be used in conjunction with other programs such as supported employment.