AUTHOR=van Weeghel Jaap , Fioritti Angelo , Jaeckel Dorothea , Johnston Gary , Mazzetti Greta , Ahola Minna , Bejerholm Ulrika , Bergmans Cris , Debroas Frédéric , de Winter Lars , Einarsdottir Soffia Erla , Guglielmi Dina , Jónasson Hlynur , Kárníková Anna , Koatz Débora , Kropeit Julia , Lunder Arvesen Anne Lise , Manchisi Denise , Markerink Jan , Nan Lium Kine , Sipilä Noora , Twomey Una , Van Audenhove Chantal 
  
TITLE=The need for supportive policies: connecting individual placement and support to the domains of employment and mental health care
  
JOURNAL=Public Health Reviews
  
VOLUME=Volume 47 - 2026
  
YEAR=2026
  
URL=https://www.ssph-journal.org/journals/public-health-reviews/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1608802
  
DOI=10.3389/phrs.2026.1608802
  
ISSN=2107-6952
  
ABSTRACT=BackgroundIndividual placement and support (IPS) is an effective vocational rehabilitation programme for people with mental illness. This article analyses national policies that directly promote IPS and broader employment-related policies on mental health in 13 European countries.AnalysisIPS alone cannot address the broader workplace and policy conditions that influence sustainable employment. Therefore, creating mentally healthy working conditions also requires action by employers, healthcare systems, and policymakers.Policy optionsRecurring barriers and facilitators were identified across countries, alongside variation in governance and implementation contexts. IPS services often operate in isolation, with limited access to consistent training, data, and cross-sector coordination. A national infrastructure for IPS is therefore needed to offer implementation support, intersectoral collaboration should be strengthened and employers need to be supported to advance equity, diversity and inclusion. IPS practice will benefit from policies addressing poor mental health conditions in the workplace, and policies endorsing a recovery-oriented mental healthcare system.ConclusionIPS can build a solid bridge between mental healthcare and employment when integrated into recovery-oriented services and supported by policies that promote inclusive, mentally healthy workplaces.