We All Need Support
Peer support is an evidence-based practice that can be an integral part of mental health treatment. Peer support is considered a best practice by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The research shows that peer support services improve outcomes.
WHO ARE THE PEERS?
A Certified Peer Support Specialist is an individual who uses his/her/their lived experience in recovery from mental illness and/or substance use disorder, and skills learned in formal training, to deliver services promoting recovery and resiliency.
Peer specialists model recovery, teach skills, help with social connection, aid in system navigation, and offer supports to help people affected by mental illness lead meaningful and productive lives in the community.
THE ROLE OF PEERS
Peer support specialists can operate in a variety of settings including hospitals, emergency departments, drop-in centers, mental health courts, and prisons. Peer support specialists use different training and skills to support recovery in partnership with professionals (therapists, social workers, and psychiatrists).
ON-SITE SUPPORT
Respite Center
Are you experiencing a mental health crisis and need a safe, quiet place to stay for a few days? Stay at the Respite and work with our Certified Peers to find support and stability and to progress on your healing journey.
Free of charge
and free of individual health insurance requirements
A path to recovery
You will develop Wellness Recovery Action Plans, crisis plans, a psychiatric advanced directive, and have the option of participating in discussions and support groups.
Certified support
You are required to work toward overcoming the challenges at your own pace, with support and encouragement.
24/7 care
3 meals will be provided, and monitored by Certified Peer Support Specialists.
Respite Facts and Guest Screening Requirements
Guests must:
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be 18 years old or older
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live in Utah
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be experiencing a mental health crisis or have a serious mental illness
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have a mental health need as their a primary reason for staying at the respite (as opposed to shelter or substance use recovery being the primary need)
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pass a criminal background check (we cannot accept sex offenses and some aggravated crimes)
Other Respite Facts:
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mothers with newborns who may be experiencing post partum depression are welcome, provided the newborn is younger than 6 months and the mother can take care of the baby
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no payment or insurance required
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a stay at the respite is completely voluntary; guests are free to leave at any time
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guests can stay up to 7 days in a 30-day period
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any guest who has medication must be able to administer the medication themselves. Medication will be held in an individual lock box and guests will have their own key to it. Staff are not allowed to handle guest medication.
We cannot accept individuals who:
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are actively using controlled substances
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are potentially withdrawing from a controlled substance
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require a higher level of care than we can offer (e.g. dementia, Alzheimer's, hospice, etc.)
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has an active infectious disease such as MRSA or TB
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are experiencing severe suicidal ideation (please call 988 for help)
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have a court order to be hospitalized or in a treatment program. The Respite is completely voluntary.
Downtown SLC on-site support
Drop-in Center
Meet with Peers one-on-one to receive support, work on your goals, or attend groups and activities with Peers and other guests.
ON-SITE ACTIVITIES
From 10 am - 7 pm on weekdays, Certified Peer Support Specialists and volunteers run a variety of support groups and activities. These include Coffee and Affirmations, movement groups, art therapy, Veterans Coffee Social, trans support group, family support group, bingo, movies, and more.
ONE-ON-ONE SUPPORT
Peers provide 1-1 support and behavioral health case management to guests to assist them in reaching personal goals such as developing skills to manage mental health conditions, working through substance use disorder recovery, finding housing or employment, and many more goals according to the needs of each guest.
EVENT CALENDAR
JOIN US!
We are active in advocating from a peer perspective for better services and supports for individuals affected by mental illness. We also advocate to have peers at all the tables where programs, services and system changes are being discussed.
We would love your help if you are interested in volunteering your time to teach a class or support an activity! Join our advocacy efforts by signing up here: