CHICAGO – Chair of the House Mental Health and Addiction Committee, state Rep. Lindsey LaPointe (D-Chicago), led a group of state behavioral health leaders in a visit to Trinity Services in Orland Park last Thursday.
During a tour and in-depth discussion with staff and former clients, the group learned about Trinity Service’s crisis prevention program — The Living Room — a free, peer-led service that connects those experiencing behavioral health crises with resources and support, often in lieu of 911, jail or a hospital. In addition to executive branch leaders, state Rep. Justin Slaughter (D-Chicago), who represents parts of Orland Park, joined the group, as well as state Rep. Laura Faver Dias (D-Grayslake) who serves on the House Mental Health Committee.
“Those seeking support for mental health crises are too often directed to hospitals or emergency room settings and subsequently discharged without a pathway to follow up care and real help — which creates a cycle of repeat ER visits and unresolved mental health trauma,” said LaPointe. “The Living Room corks this dangerous cycle by providing peer-led recovery and professional counseling to ensure those who need help most are connected to resources in a non-stigmatized setting while avoiding sustained law enforcement intervention.”
The Living Room at Trinity Services has locations in Joliet and Orland Park and is an alternative to an emergency room or inpatient hospital stays for the surrounding areas. Trinity currently works with nine local police departments. Those experiencing a mental health crisis can connect with multiple support groups and access one-on-one appointments with Recovery Support Specialist staff. Other services, such as peer case management, recovery guidance, hospital transitions, benefit assistance, and crisis prevention are also offered. Resources at the Living Room are available at no cost and locations are open 24/7, in person and online — so support is always within reach.
“At The Living Room, we welcome individuals and families into a space free of judgment, pressure, or stigma. Our peer specialists offer the kind of understanding that comes from lived experience — so much so that many simply call us ‘The Loving Room.’ We’re here 24/7 with hope, connection, and guidance, to both families and individuals needing support, whenever it’s needed,” said Living Room Director Patricia Johnstone.
State leaders, including legislators, have been working to build out a three-pronged crisis response system in every corner of Illinois.
The burgeoning system includes first, “A Place to Call” which is 988, a universal national suicide and crisis lifeline. Second, “Someone to Come”, if needed, which in most communities is mobile crisis response, consisting of trained and licensed mental health providers to come “on scene” to support someone in crisis when needed and wanted. Third, and finally, “A Place to Go” is a place where someone in crisis can go to de-escalate, stabilize and recover — not jail or a hospital. Most communities in Illinois have no options for “A Place to Go.” The Living room at Trinity Services is unique and deserving of both public awareness and celebration.
For more information, please contact Info@RepLaPointe.com or 773-647-1174. To connect with The Living Room at Trinity Services, email Scott Dunnell at sdunnell@trinityservices.org.
