This page features high-quality research studies on interventions that are not peer respites, but aim to divert individuals experiencing crisis from psychiatric emergency services. While not the focus of PeerRespite.net, these programs provide alternatives to inpatient and emergency departments.

To see research on peer respites, click here.

Systematic and literature reviews

■ Acute residential mental health services offer treatment outcomes equivalent to those of inpatient units, with users reporting high satisfaction.
■ Most studies of acute residential units demonstrated clinical improvements equal to those of inpatient units and similar readmission rates.

Clinical and cost-effectiveness of acute and subacute residential mental health services: a systematic review. Psychiatric Services (2013)

Studies with a control or comparison group

■ Peer-staffed crisis respite services resulted in lowered rates of Medicaid-funded hospitalizations and health expenditures for participants compared with a comparison group.
■ Medicaid expenditures were on average $2,138 lower per month and there were 2.9 fewer hospitalizations.

The Effectiveness of a Peer-Staffed Crisis Respite Program as an Alternative to Hospitalization. Psychiatric Services. (2018)