Objective: To compare fidelity of implementation of supported employment in different types of provider organizations.

Methods: Using opportunity sampling, a multi-state survey yielded a sample of 106 supported employment programs, including 33 located in community mental health centers (CMHCs), 18 located in psychosocial rehabilitation centers, 31 located in comprehensive rehabilitation centers, and 24 housed in other social service agencies. Program directors completed a telephone interview on the Quality of Supported Employment Implementation Scale (QSEIS), a 33-item supported employment fidelity scale.

Results: CMHC-based programs rated significantly higher on fidelity than programs housed in psychosocial rehabilitation or comprehensive rehabilitation centers. Integration with mental health treatment was the key factor differentiating the types of provider organizations.

Conclusions: Type of provider organization is an important factor in facilitating implementation of evidence-based principles of supported employment.