When Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health Services (GCBHS) expanded their Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) in Amelia, one of the initiatives of the grant was to add a program called The Living Room. The Living Room is a walk-in, community resource for those who are experiencing a self-defined urgent issue/stressful event. The program is staffed with peer support workers who have lived experience with mental illness, substance use disorder, or both.
Research indicates that people experiencing stress want a safe space where they can be helped by someone who understands what they are going through. This nationally recognized model of care offers a safe, inviting, home-like atmosphere designed to create a space for people to connect with peers and talk through a self-defined crisis or stressful event.
Peer support workers help guests learn and apply wellness strategies, problem solve, and support safety planning to prevent future urgent issues or crisis events. According to the Team Coordinator, Lisa Keck, “The people who come here typically don’t have pro-social support, so if they are feeling anxious or struggling with conflict at home, we are here for them. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of ‘talking it out’ because they feel nobody is listening to them.” Having staff with a lived experience is key, says Lisa, who began her career at GCBHS as a peer. “I love doing outreach, so I jumped at this opportunity. There’s something about being able to give back.”
The Living Room opened its doors to the public on October 1st. One thing that makes it unique is that individuals who visit the program are considered guests. Lisa explains, “If they came into your living room, you would consider them guests, right? We do the same thing here.” Upon arrival, the guests rate their stress level and then again as they leave. Those who have used the services are very grateful that there is a place they can go without making an appointment – if they just need time to calm down or to talk to someone. Says team member Briget, “They feel safe here.”
The Living Room is open to anyone 18 years of age or older who needs support and provides an alternative place to go for support when mobile crisis, law enforcement intervention, and/or the emergency department are not needed. The service is free and available to the public Monday through Friday from 2 – 8 p.m. The program’s supervisor, Chris Miles, is hoping they will be able to expand to add weekend hours sometime in 2025. “The goal would be to eventually open the Living Room 24/7 for people to have a place to go when they need it.”
Having a place to go like The Living Room is important because, says Lisa, “The people who come here, want to be here. They want the support.”
