Mental health literacy among vocational rehabilitation professionals and their perception of employers in the return-to-work process

BACKGROUND: Individuals with mental health problems often need support from vocational rehabilitation professionals in their return-To-work (RTW) process. Research has shown that this support can be deficient, with vocational rehabilitation professionals lacking relevant knowledge and an underlying belief in the individual's ability to resume a working life. More understanding is therefore needed of professionals' mental health literacy and their perception of and influence on employer roles in the RTW process. OBJECTIVE: To explore the mental health literacy of Swedish vocational rehabilitation professionals and their perception of employers in the RTW process. METHOD: Qualitative grounded theory study which included 22 interviews of vocational rehabilitation professionals working with individuals with mental health problems in their RTW process. RESULTS: Three categories emerged: holding a position of power in the RTW process, viewing and believing in individuals' work ability plays a central role, and recognizing the employer's role as a key factor for realizing employment. CONCLUSION: Increasing the mental health literacy of vocational rehabilitation professionals is crucial since they have a decisive role with both clients and employers in the RTW process.