Why expanded peer respite can be a game changer for Mass. mental health care (Viewpoint) [Video]

One of the approaches with the best mental health outcomes in the world is called Open Dialogue. Developed in Finland, it is made up of several parts. However, one of the most critical elements is that it is built on a foundation of trust.

Massachusetts also has a crisis care alternative built on trust: Peer respite. And, right now, the Commonwealth has a historic opportunity to expand access to such places.

Peer respites are homelike spaces – typically with three to five bedrooms – where someone can stay up to two weeks as an alternative to hospitalization and other more invasive interventions. As a condition of hire, people working at the respite (including leadership) are required to have psychiatric histories and other shared experiences with guests of the house.

They are trained to use their stories of struggle, marginalization, and all they’ve learned by navigating systems and their own healing process to support others on similar journeys.

Peer respites are strictly voluntary and …