[Importance of Work and Employment in the Treatment of People with Mental Illness - Results of a Qualitative Study].

Exclusion of individuals with mental disorders is common, especially exclusion from the work force. This paper investigates the role of work and the reintegration into the workforce of patients with mental illness from the mental health professional's perspective. Within a qualitative study design, 44 mental health professionals from different settings and regions in Germany were interviewed. The material was transcribed verbatim and a content analysis was conducted. It can be shown that work and inclusion in the workforce is an important topic and that occupational status is discussed early in the treatment process. However, the roles of mental health professionals in different settings vary considerably. Within treatment settings, specific concepts and structured cooperation facilitating the reintegration of patients with mental illness into the workforce are largely lacking.