A welcoming space to maange crisis : the wellness respite program (Thorofare, New Jersey : Slack Incorporated, 2022)
The need for behavioral care prevention, treatment, and recovery supports, including crisis alternatives, has grown and is now receiving federal support through enhanced funding. When a person experiences severe emotional distress, crisis alternatives are a viable option instead of inpatient hospitalization to address the distress and restore balance. Peer respite programs are voluntarily, short-term, crisis alternatives for people experiencing mental distress. Models have evolved in response to funding a regulatory requirements, yet research is limited. The current article describes a unique peer-led program, Welles respite, in operation for 7 years, including data from recent satisfaction surveys and the role of nurses in the program. Implications of a home-like, short-term crisis alternative and the role of the nurse are emphasized.
Keywords: Peer respite