Strengthening Club Mental Health Recovery Through Data-Driven Programs

Texas Health and Human Services (HHSC), through its partner, the Texas Institute for Excellence in Mental Health (TIEMH), sought to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of Clubhouse programs across Texas. These programs serve adults with serious mental illness, providing community-based recovery support. While the Clubhouse model already had operational support from the State of Texas, our partner had an interest in supporting shorter-term capacity-building and expansion projects that would be responsive to the needs of the individual programs.  Unfortunately, they did not have a mechanism for this type of project.

Our Solution

We implemented a comprehensive capacity-building framework that allowed each individual Clubhouse to participate, while choosing from a menu of pre-approved types of projects that made sense for their program.  The project was successful, and additional projects have been undertaken in subsequent years.

Types of services we provided as part of these projects

• Convened the ClubhouseTexas network to create a community of practice for the Clubhouses in Texas
• Hosted, or supported the hosting, of annual day-long “Summits”, allowing for shared learning and growth experiences for members of Texas Clubhouses and their staffs
• Facilitated monthly coalition meetings for best practice sharing among staff and members of the Clubhouse

Capacity Building & Technical Assistance

• Conducted on-site Strength Assessments using specialized evaluation tools to provide rapid and low-cost program improvement recommendations
• Facilitated monthly coalition meetings for best practice sharing
• Delivered workshops on peer support integration

Technology Infrastructure

• Implemented Flourish 3.1, a custom-built data management platform
• Created individual dashboards for each Clubhouse
• Developed Network Insights tools for aggregate analysis
• Built secure data architecture protecting member privacy

Engagement Analysis & Incentive Program

• Designed and implemented the Analysis of Clubhouse Engagement (ACE) project
• Created graduated payment structure to encourage data collection
• Provided real-time analytics for program adjustment
• Tracked multiple levels of member engagement

Key Results

📈 Engagement Growth

• 33% increase in overall participation records
• 70.5% increase in total engagement scores
• 197% increase in highest-level engagement records

🎯 Program Quality

• Level 3 (highest engagement) records grew from 16% to 37% of total records
• Significant decrease in basic attendance-only records
• Improved documentation of member activities and outcomes

🤝 Network Participation

• 12 Clubhouses actively participating
• 91.7% participation in strength assessments
• 100% participation in monthly meetings
• 91.7% adoption of peer integration workshops

Long-Term Impact

The project created sustainable improvements in how Texas Clubhouses operate and measure their impact. By combining capacity building, technology infrastructure, and data-driven incentives, we helped establish a foundation for long-term program success and member support.

What started as a technical assistance project evolved into a comprehensive transformation of how Clubhouses track and improve their services. The implemented systems continue to provide value, allowing for better resource allocation and program optimization across the Texas Clubhouse network.

Key data points are from FY2024 Analysis of Clubhouse Engagement (ACE) project results