Individuals with psychiatric disabilities face significant challenges in achieving workforce inclusion, presenting a critical public health issue. The enactment of Law 21.015 on this matter offers an opportunity for improvement.
Aim: This study aims to provide healthcare teams with practical strategies for including individuals with psychiatric disabilities in the workforce, along with recommendations for their implementation.
Methods: A qualitative study was conducted through a narrative review of policy documents and programs related to the employment inclusion of individuals with psychiatric disabilities.
Results: A total of 40 articles were included in the final analysis. The topics were categorized into three main areas: (1) employment inclusion and its relation to disability, (2) types of interventions in employment inclusion, and (3) elements of labor legislation concerning disability in Chile. An overview is presented of how scientific evidence has been addressed in public policies of various countries, alongside the main strategies from national and international experiences.
Conclusions: Key elements discussed include the necessity of early support for employment, the effectiveness of supported employment strategies, and the importance of coordinating mental health and employment services. General recommendations for the employability of individuals with psychiatric disabilities are provided. Healthcare teams should be familiar with the legal aspects of employability, as well as the available intersectoral networks, and be prepared to guide individuals with psychiatric disabilities who express a desire to work. They should support these individuals in job placement and maintain open communication channels among the components of the intersectoral network.