Meghann O'Leary and Vesper Moore of Kiva Centers joined Walt Rubel and Jamie Bronstein to discuss Soteria Las Cruces, a new community-based residential alternative to psychiatric hospitalization opening in Las Cruces. Funded through HB 87 and housed in a five-bedroom home on Twilight Ridgeway, Soteria accepts up to five guests at a time who are experiencing psychosis or altered states, offering a home-like environment staffed primarily by certified peer support workers — people with their own lived experience of mental health crisis. O'Leary and Moore described the model's emphasis on self-determination, relationship-building, and early intervention, noting that research shows an 84% improved wellness rate for people experiencing early psychosis when relationship-based support is provided. They also addressed the question of medication, explaining that Soteria supports guests' autonomy in working with psychiatrists to adjust or taper medications rather than requiring compliance. At roughly $100 per day compared to thousands for inpatient hospitalization, both guests argued the model is not only more effective but more sustainable and replicable.
|
|
RSS Feed