Todd Noack News Today

Life Connections Peer Recovery Services has gone through many tumultuous changes over the last five years, but it’s led to a new location and new services for people throughout the

The facilities — including one in DeWitt — offer a short-term, homelike, nurturing environment for people who are experiencing a mental health crisis but don’t need immediate medical attention. At respites, patients are treated like guests, proponents say, and can feel heard and keep their dignity without having to relinquish their clothes and other belongings.

Peer-run respites offer mental health care for those seeking nonemergent treatment without the burden of high costs, hospital-like restrictions or judgment.

Respite facilities offer a homelike environment for those experiencing mental health crises but not needing immediate medical attention.

They offer a short-term, homelike environment for people who are experiencing a mental health crisis but don't need immediate medical care.

If you or someone you know may be experiencing a mental health crisis, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing “988,” or the Crisis Text Line by texting

As three years of pandemic stress accelerated an ongoing nationwide mental health crisis, peer respite programs diverted patients from overburdened emergency rooms, psychiatric institutions, and behavioral therapists. Now, more “respites” are opening.

If you or someone you know may be experiencing a mental health crisis, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing "988," or the Crisis Text Line by texting "HOME" to 741741.

Respite programs offer a homelike, nurturing environment for people coping with a mental health crisis — like "a bed-and-breakfast facility for emotional distress."