st. Paul’s “Living Room”: A welcoming Space for Mental Health Support
Table of Contents
St. Paul residents now have access to a revolutionary new resource for mental health: teh “Living Room,” a free clinic located in the Highland bridge neighborhood. Since its soft opening in August, the clinic has already seen over 111 visits, offering a much-needed alternative to emergency room visits for those experiencing mental health crises or simply needing support.
Unlike traditional clinics, the Living Room embraces a walk-in, drop-in model.”Appointments can be scheduled in advance, but walk-ins or call-ins are available, with no appointment necessary,” explains Jacki Yellowflower, a peer specialist supervisor. this accessibility is a key component of the clinic’s design, aiming to remove barriers to care.
Run by the nonprofit organization Emma Norton, which also provides housing and support services, the Living Room is based on a model developed by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). This is the first such clinic in Minnesota operating post-pandemic, offering a vital service to the community.
A Agreeable and Supportive Surroundings
The clinic’s name is fitting; the space is designed to be inviting and comforting. With couches, pillows, a fireplace, and calming décor, the Living Room aims to create a welcoming atmosphere were individuals feel safe and at ease. “The space looks just like it sounds,” says Lauren Daniel, Emma Norton’s clinical director. The clinic is open seven days a week, from noon to 8 p.m.
A unique aspect of the Living Room is its emphasis on peer support specialists. “Thay have experienced being at rock bottom and being able to get out, so they serve as that beacon of hope and can connect with people in that one-on-one way,” Daniel explains. “[Doctors] don’t often have the capacity to do that versus sitting across from someone who has been there and experienced that and knows what that feels like.”
While many visitors are current clients of Emma Norton’s Restoring Waters residence,the clinic welcomes anyone in need of support,from those needing to vent to those facing a crisis. “We wanted to be an immediate walk-in, drop-in service to help with de-escalation and connection to other programs,” Daniel emphasizes. “Maybe you can’t get in with your therapist for a couple of weeks and you want to come in and get some of that support or vent or talk about what’s going on,” she adds. “We’re here for that.”
Connecting People with Resources
Beyond immediate support, the Living Room plays a crucial role in connecting individuals with essential resources.”We’ve been able to connect folks to crisis beds and get them into really quick therapy services,” Daniel shares. “But really we would love to see more folks from the community coming in and using the space just for that general support.” The clinic assists with finding housing, therapy, crisis teams, and helps individuals build safety plans.
Looking ahead, the Living Room plans to expand its services to include telehealth in 2025, pending the approval of a state grant.Currently, all services are free, thanks to various grants. The clinic is located at 2265 Hillcrest Ave. in St. Paul. For more data, visit emmanorton.org/programs/supportive-services/.
Originally Published: December 26, 2024
St. Paul’s “Living Room”: A Haven for Mental Health support
The first of its kind in Minnesota since the pandemic, the “Living Room” is a revolutionary new mental health resource providing accessible and judgement-free support to the St. Paul community. Funded by the nonprofit institution Emma Norton, this welcoming clinic offers a unique walk-in, drop-in model alongside peer support specialists who have lived experiences with mental health challenges. We interviewed Dr. Michelle Ramirez,a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in community mental health,to learn more about this vital initiative.
what Makes the “Living Room” Approach Unique?
Dr. Ramirez: The “Living Room” addresses a critical gap in our mental health system. Conventional clinics often have long wait times and can feel intimidating, especially during a crisis. This model prioritizes accessibility by eliminating appointment barriers. The atmosphere itself is designed to be pleasant and calming, helping individuals feel safe and supported.
How does Peer Support Make a Difference?
Dr.Ramirez: Peer specialists are a unique and invaluable asset. They bring lived experience and profound empathy to the table. They can connect with individuals on a deeper level, offering hope and understanding that trained clinicians, while valuable, may not always fully grasp. This shared experience fosters trust and encourages open interaction, which is crucial for effective support.
who Benefits from the “Living Room,” and What Services Does It offer?
Dr. Ramirez: The “Living Room” welcomes everyone, whether they’re experiencing a crisis, need a listening ear, or are struggling to find resources.They offer immediate support, de-escalation strategies, and connections to vital services like therapy, housing, and crisis teams. Think of it as a lifeline, a safe space to navigate challenging times and find the help they need.
What is the Long-Term Vision for the “Living Room”?
Dr. Ramirez: I believe the “Living room” model holds immense potential. They are actively expanding their services to include telehealth options, aiming to reach even more individuals who may face geographic or logistical barriers. Ultimately, they aim to become a central hub for mental health support in the community, demonstrating that mental well-being is a priority and that help is available to everyone.
