When people hear the term “living room”, most people assume the room in a home that is used for relaxing, socializing, or entertaining. But there is another type of living room that has slowly been emerging in communities, and it is time more people started talking about it.
A mental health living room is a voluntary, non-clinical crisis respite program where individuals can receive support in a calm, home-like environment. In Illinois, Living Room Programs offer an alternative to emergency room or psychiatric hospitalization when appropriate.
What Is a Mental Health Living Room?
A living room is a non-clinical space that provides a safe haven to individuals while they resolve an emotional crisis or stressful situation. A living room may also be referred to as a mental health living room, crisis living room, or crisis walk-in center.
The primary purpose of a mental health living room is to provide an alternative to the emergency room or psychiatric emergency facilities while offering a safe place to de-escalate crises. In Illinois, the Living Room Program is designed to proactively divert crises and help break the cycle of psychiatric hospitalization. They offer a proactive approach to mental wellness while focusing on early intervention and empathetic care within a supportive neutral setting.
What Can Someone Expect at a Living Room Program?
The inside of these establishments typically resembles a home-like environment with low lighting that is safe, calm, and welcoming. Anyone who walks into a living room facility will be greeted by trained staff that also have had their own life experiences of mental health challenges. These staff members are known as Recovery Support Specialists and have their own lived experiences with mental illness, recovery, or co-occurring mental illness and substance use.
Living rooms are open to the public and are typically designed for individuals 18 and older. Some living rooms are open 24/7 while others may have daily hours of operation. No appointment is necessary and the services are free of charge. Because eligibility, cost, appointment availability, and hours may vary by location, individuals should contact the facility directly before visiting.
You can find these living rooms in the Chicagoland area, and there are other facilities across the nation. Illinois has Living Room Program locations throughout the state, including several in the Chicagoland area. The Illinois Department of Human Services currently lists Living Room Program locations in Orland Park and Joliet, making this support available within Chicago’s southwest suburban communities.
Why Were Mental Health Living Rooms Created?
The initial push for living rooms stemmed from family members seeking alternative options for their loved ones struggling with mental health issues. Many families found that taking their loved ones to bright, loud, and often crowded emergency room facilities caused additional stress and anxiety. While emergency rooms provide essential care, the environment may not always offer the calm, specialized setting some individuals need during a mental health crisis. Many emergency room doctors may not be equipped to address mental health conditions and do not typically specialize in mental health. Communities began pursuing a better way to help individuals experiencing mental health crises.
Who Provides Support at a Mental Health Living Room?
Those who work for a living room facility are peer-led support specialists and are the heart of the facility’s environment. Within the Illinois Living Room Program, these team members are officially identified as Recovery Support Specialists. These support specialists each have had their own mental health challenges and experiences that they have lived through. They are trained in de-escalation and skilled with empathy. They are allies who will help guide every individual who voluntarily walks through their doors seeking support.
They talk with you to hear and understand what you are going through right now, providing the support that you need. This is a no-judgment zone, with no time constraints. A mental health crisis could involve suicidal ideation, an anxiety attack, or burnout. The spectrum for those seeking relief is broad. The goal of the support specialist is to help evaluate all options for the individual and provide them with the space to develop a plan for what to do next. Individuals are also screened for safety by mental health professionals when entering and leaving the program.
Is Participation in a Living Room Program Voluntary?
People experiencing a psychiatric crisis may seek assistance on their own or be referred by police, fire departments, emergency departments, or other community organizations. Participation in the Living Room Program is always voluntary and based on the individual’s choice, even when another organization has provided the referral.
Frequently Asked Questions About Illinois Living Room Programs
Are Illinois Living Room Programs free?
Many Living Room Programs provide services at no cost, but individuals should contact the specific location to confirm its services, eligibility requirements, and any potential costs.
Do I need an appointment to visit a mental health living room?
Many locations accept walk-in visitors without an appointment. Hours and intake procedures may vary, so it is helpful to contact the location before visiting when possible.
Is a mental health living room the same as an emergency room?
No. A mental health living room is a voluntary, non-clinical crisis respite program intended to provide a calm and supportive environment. Emergency rooms provide medical evaluation and emergency treatment. A Living Room Program screens visitors for safety and may recommend another level of care when appropriate.
How can I find a mental health living room near me?
The Illinois Department of Human Services maintains a directory of Living Room Program locations throughout Illinois, including locations in Orland Park and Joliet. Sterk Family Law Group has a few members of our Resource Center, including Trinity Services, NAMI, and Rosecrance, which offer the Living Room Program.
Mental Health Support in Illinois
As the mental health crisis continues to increase, mental health living rooms are needed more than ever. No matter the crisis or challenge, there is always someone ready and able to listen. Feeling seen, heard, and acknowledged is often all that is needed. Living room facilities and their support specialists are dedicated to doing just that, and so much more.
Let this also be a reminder to always be kind to one another as you never truly know what someone may be going through. A simple smile or act of kindness can go a long way.
At Sterk Family Law Group, we understand that legal and personal challenges often overlap. Our Resource Center connects individuals and families with trusted community resources that can provide support during difficult seasons of life. If you or someone you know could benefit from additional guidance, contact us at 815-600-8950 or through the form below for a free, no-obligation family law or estate planning consultation and to explore mental health services and other helpful resources available throughout the community.