[Occupational rehabilitation of psychiatric patients in the Michaelshoven/Cologne vocational training center--an integrated overall concept].

Vocational retraining centres, sui generis, belong to those vocational rehabilitation facilities where disabled adults are afforded an opportunity for comprehensive occupational reorientation, facilities that operate on the principle of "dual training under one roof", i.e. combine practical and theoretical contents, which documents their close linkage with the mainstream vocational education system practiced in Germany. An essential modification has for some years now been introduced at the Michaelshoven/Cologne vocational retraining centre: the traditional conveyance of skills and knowledge (i.e., acquisition of technical competence) has been replaced by attainment of occupational action competence as the focus of rehabilitative efforts. Hand in hand with this concept rooted in the principle of client-concentration, comes implementation of the principles of integration and holistic approach. Integration means that rehabilitees with mental illness participate in the rehabilitation programmes alongside rehabilitees without mental illness. The holistic approach is expressed in a number of closely coordinated elements ensuring that the specific configuration of persons with mental illness and their way of life are taken into consideration from the very beginning of their stay in the Michaelshoven/Cologne vocational retraining centre. Along with in-depth talks at entry and specific vocational guidance for individuals with mental illness, these elements inter alia include: pre-rehabilitation adjustment, pre-rehabilitation course, an extramural industrial practical, action-oriented training methods throughout, and systematic placement assistance and support--in line with the vocational retraining centre's motto of "picking up our rehabilitees right where they stand".