Colleague Training

Colleague Training

Training Purpose

Colleague training is an opportunity to learn about and experience Clubhouse philosophy, culture, relationships, and the day-to-day operations of a Clubhouse model program from experienced staff and people with real-life experience of mental illness together in a full-immersion experience. Whether starting a new Clubhouse or moving an established Clubhouse to a higher level of operation, the goal of the training is to help colleagues implement and enhance a Clubhouse model program in their own communities.

  • Two-week comprehensive training program
  • Offered throughout the year, by reservation
  • For first-time participants: Tuition includes training and lodging for the Clubhouse director, one staff person and one member. ($7,000 USD)
  • For established Clubhouses: Tuition includes training and lodging for one member and one staff person. ($5,000 USD)
  • Tuition also includes training and lodging for a director or individual with administrative oversight who joins in the second week of the experience.
  • For first time participants, tuition also covers a post-training site visit to the new Clubhouse by members of Independence Center's training team approximately six to twelve months after the training.

Training Curriculum

The training curriculum, developed with the Clubhouse International Training Base Working Group and re-evaluated on an on-going basis, enables colleagues to immerse themselves in the Clubhouse community. This includes:

  • A solid background in Clubhouse fundamental values and philosophy
  • Participation in the diverse work units of Independence Center’s state-of-the-art Clubhouse in the heart of St. Louis
  • Identifying housing solutions for members' individual needs.
  • Meeting with Employers to assist in the development of sustainable employment opportunities for Clubhouse members, including successful integration of IPS (Individual Placement and Support) model into Clubhouse culture.

Lodging

Lodging is included as part of tuition at Aloft St. Louis Cortex.

Questions/Register

For more information on Colleague Training, or to register, please send an email inquiry to the Colleague Training Team at chtraining@independencecenter.org.

The Independence Center Clubhouse is accredited by Clubhouse International, a globally recognized leader in changing the world of mental health. There are 330 Clubhouses, and ours is the second largest in the world.

2026 Colleague Training Sessions:

  • #157: March 2-13, 2026
  • #158: April 6-17, 2026
  • #159: May 11-15, 2026*
  • #160: June 8-19, 2026
  • #161: July 20-31, 2026
  • #162: September 7-18, 2026
  • #163: October 12-23, 2026
  • #164: November 9-20, 2026

One-week specialized tracks and three-day Clubhouse Orientation/Overview may be available on request.