FAQs
Why are Fountain House clients referred to as members?
Fountain House uses the term “member” to reflect the voluntary, community-based nature of Fountain House. Using this term makes it clear that members are integral and active participants of the program. Fountain House exists for, by, and because of its members.
What is a Clubhouse?
The term itself comes from the Fountain House building, our clubhouse, which was designed in the fashion of the men’s and women’s social clubs found in New York City at the time. Clubhouse is now the generic term for community mental health programs that use some aspects of the Fountain House approach.
The clubhouse model is based on the belief that members are partners in their own recovery, rather than merely the passive recipients of treatment, and that meaningful work and relationships are integral parts of their recovery. Members work side by side with staff to organize and administer every program, and success is dependent upon the degree to which members assume responsibility for themselves.
Does Fountain House provide psychiatric treatment, including medication and therapy?
The therapeutic technique of Fountain House is our intentional community. While we do assist our members in securing the best available medical and psychiatric treatment and while many do take psychiatric medication, we concentrate on the healthy attributes of our members and the normalization of their lives. This has led us to separate our intentional community – which focuses on work, school, homes, and social networks – from medical psychiatric treatment. As a result, we do not provide individual or group therapy or offer medication at our clubhouse building.
We understand that close coordination with psychiatrists and general practitioners is a good practice, so in order to better serve our members, we have developed a special group practice of physicians. This group of doctors operates at a nearby location and serves about one-third to half our membership. The remainder of our members is seen by doctors throughout New York City.
How many of your members have substance abuse problems or are homeless?
About 40% of our members have been homeless at one time. Nearly half are recovering from substance abuse problems. To become a member, however, an applicant must be drug- and alcohol-free for at least 90 days. Fountain House does provide Double Trouble meetings designed specifically for individuals with a dual diagnosis of mental illness and chemical abuse and makes a range of housing options available to its members.
Is there a Fountain House in my community?
Fountain House is the model for hundreds of programs throughout the United States and around the world, and in part, for approximately 1,000 other programs. The International Center for Clubhouse Development, housed at Fountain House, can provide information on a program in your community. The ICCD certifies Clubhouse programs, ensuring that they adhere to the set of International Clubhouse Standards.
Do Fountain House members participate in all aspects of running the Clubhouse?
Yes. Members are involved in the intake and orientation of new members, housing placements, hiring of new staff, building maintenance, setting policy, advocacy initiatives, meal preparation, program development, and service on the Board of Directors.
Is Fountain House a self-help program?
We are a professional self-help program that encourages a partnership between our members and our expert staff. At any given point, Fountain House employs about twenty staff workers who have experienced major mental illness. We do not create special “consumer” jobs but rather hire people into our existing positions.
