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National Empowerment Center

Crisis Alternatives


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In times of crisis, people feel alone with their anxiety, panic, anger, frustrations and depression. One of the goals of peer-run crisis respite is to provide connections and relationships that can lessen the intensity of these feelings. These non-medical alternative programs offer a comfortable, non-judgmental environment in which one might be able to process stresses as well as explore new options. The hope is that these interactions will result in fresh, short-term solutions and a wider array of options for handling future crises.

As people have an opportunity to stay connected to peers while moving through challenging thoughts, feelings and impulses, the need for external intervention is diminished. This alternative approach to handling crisis teaches people healthier attitudes about themselves and others. With increased skills, individuals can reduce or even eliminate their susceptibilities to the pressures that cause overwhelming emotional distress.

The National Empowerment Center recommends the leading authority in the nation, Shery Mead, for all Consumer-run Crisis Respite Program Training and Supervision Training. Ms. Mead has written extensively about peer support and crisis alternatives. She consults and trains throughout the United States, Ireland, England, New Zealand, and Australia. Shery Mead may be contacted through the National Empowerment Center or at the Intentional Peer Support website.

Directory of Peer-run Crisis Services

Resources for Starting a Peer-run Crisis Alternative in Your Area

Growing Evidence Base for Peer-run Crisis Alternatives

Additional Studies of Alternatives to Hospitalization

What Recovery Means in Acute Care, Conducted by Recovery to Practice Project - Resource Center for Behavioral Health Professionals, Sept. 16, 2010

Resources and Information on Peer-Run Warmlines

Other Crisis Alternatives

Videos

Peer-run Respite Programs: An Introduction

Second Story Respite House

Enjoy an introduction to this crisis respite program, operated in Santa Cruz, CA. www.secondstoryhouse.org 

Rose House Peer-Run Hospital Diversion Program - Tour and Introduction

Voices of the Heart, Inc. – Respite House (5 minute introduction)

This video is a brief introduction to the Voices of the Heart Respite House, a supportive, empowering and safe alternative to traditional crisis services and inpatient admissions. For more information, visit www.voicesoftheheart.net

Voices of the Heart, Inc. – Respite House (15 minute introduction)

This video provides a more in-depth look at the Voices of the Heart Respite House.