Programs that provide an alternative, nonresidential environment for people who have mental, emotional or social problems and which may offer recreational activities, socialization, individual or group counseling, mutual support group meetings, information and referral or other similar services. Included are centers that are staffed by consumers of psychiatric services as well as centers that are managed by professional staff.

Programs that provide support for adults with a severe and persistent mental illness who remain living and working in the community. CSS is provided in the individual's homes, community settings, and occasionally in the agency setting by staff who have experience working with adults with intense and persistent mental health issues. Services focus on helping the person reduce or manage their symptoms. Objectives of the program may include: monitoring mental health symptoms, developing a supportive relationship, crisis intervention when required, medication monitoring and management, communication with other relevant service providers, transportation arrangements, and the development and coordination of a natural support system. The number of contacts per month (which may be made in person or by telephone) are dependent on the current severity of the person's symptoms.

Voluntary, person-centered membership programs for people with a history of mental illness that offer social, recreational, prevocational and vocational rehabilitation services within the context of a supportive and structured environment where members can be involved in meaningful activities which help them regain a sense of self-worth, purpose and confidence and enhance their ability to sustain independent living. Members establish their own schedules within an ordered day, choose the activities they will regularly participate in, and are actively engaged and supported by staff and other members in the activities and tasks they have chosen. Services provided through the group experience of the ordered day include a wide array of skill development activities and training designed to assist the member to gain control of debilitative aspects of their illness, acquire personal and social competencies, and establish and navigate environmental support systems. Also included are clubhouse model programs for other populations such as people with brain injuries.

Programs that provide social and recreational activities for people who are recovering from mental illness to help them gain confidence and readjust to living and/or working in the community.

A number of mental or emotional conditions of a seriously debilitating nature which progress or do not respond positively to treatment over a period of time and which require adjustments on the part of the individual and his or her significant others, or long-term medication, to make daily functioning possible.