This paper describes the Cleveland Veterans Administration inpatient Vocational Rehabilitation Unit (VRU), an intensive vocational assessment and counseling program designed to maximize the self-reliance and productivity of patients. The VRU is presented as a minimal care, 3-month maximum treatment program in which patients work on incentive pay programs within the hospital, attend a 2-day Job Seeking Skills training seminar, interview for jobs in the community, and eventually obtain work in the community. Assessment methods discussed include administration of the General Aptitude Test Battery, Vocational Interest testing, and personal and neuropsychological testing. It is emphasized that: (1) all patients receive individual psychotherapy or supportive counseling; (2) group therapy, stress management groups, and vocational exploration groups are available, and (3) appropriate treatment for patients with drug, alcohol, or compulsive gambling problems is required. It is noted that the VRU has proven to be cost effective. A follow-up study of all veterans discharged during a 1-year period is discussed in which success was defined as holding a job in the community or being in school or vocational training. Data from the study is presented revealing that, in spite of an economic recession at the time, 58% of all discharges were successful at 3 months post-discharage, 52% were successful at 6 months, and 40% were successful at 12 months, and that the majority of "nonsuccessful" discharges were better equipped to look for work. (NB)