The Living Room of the Community Health Center of LaGrange

The Living Room is a peer-run community crisis respite program that provides mental health support. Upon arrival, a clinician conducts a brief mental health screening. Afterward, recovery specialists - highly trained individuals who are also living well in their own recovery - will assist patients with setting goals and explore action steps with the patient to determine what is best for them. The program also helps patients gain access to treatment, medication, and housing. Before patients leave, a clinician conducts an exit screening to ensure they receive the necessary services and support. On-going support from recovery specialists is available by appointment. Services are free of charge.

The Living Room is a nationally recognized model and evidence-based practice and takes place in various counties in Illinois. As a part of The National Alliance on Mental Illness, The Living Room in La Grange, Illinois also offers classes on meditation and yoga for the community, along with trained counselors.

To reduce the number of individuals with mental illness who use the ER, to help individuals achieve long-term recovery, and to develop a community peer-based support network.

The Living Room is a comfortable, non-clinical space that offers an alternative to hospital emergency rooms. The program in LaGrange, Illinois hopes to decrease unnecessary hospitalizations.

Since October 3rd, 2016 The Living Room in LaGrange, Illinois has helped 42 people. The program has a 62% return rate.