Rehabilitation in the United Kingdom: research, policy, and practice.

Objective: To review research, policy, and practice in psychiatric rehabilitation in the UK.

Method: We undertook a literature review and review of government policy documents.

Findings: Most individuals with severe, disabling mental illnesses are cared for by generic community mental health services under the Care Programme Approach (CPA). Current government policy requires the introduction of assertive outreach and early psychosis services and is highly consistent with the adoption of the recovery paradigm within UK mental health services. Research and development activities have demonstrated the success of the UK hospital-closure program and have contributed to the worldwide resurgence of interest in psychosocial interventions in psychosis.

Conclusions: A need remains to focus research and practice on those who are most disabled by their illnesses and to improve the skills of the workforce in psychosocial interventions.