PSS & RCOsRecovery Through Inspiration, Support, and Empowerment

The goal of this pilot study is to test the effectiveness of a novel intervention for young adults (ages 18-27) with mental health conditions who have been released from an acute care psychiatric facility. The intervention aims to reduce suicidality, depression, anxiety, re-hospitalization, and improve mental health recovery by using outpatient services.

The current standard of care (SOC) for these patients at discharge includes a discharge plan with a list of their medications, anticipated outpatient appointments, and information on when and where to find community resources.

The intervention being tested involves the implementation of a mental health recovery education and support program, involving one-on-one and small group meetings led by Peer Support Specialists (PSS) and Recovery Community Organizations (RCO).

Participants will be assigned to either Cohort A or B for 8 weeks.

Cohort A will be the intervention group with PSS and RCOs.

• Weeks 1-4: One-on-one meetings with PSS for education and support. Assessments will be completed at weeks 2 and 4.
• Weeks 5 and 7: One-on-one meetings with PSS for education and support.
• Week 6 and 8: Group meetings with PSS and other participants from RCOs. Assessments will be completed during these weeks.

Cohort B will be the SOC group with no PSS or RCOs.

• Weeks 1-4: Weekly check in phone calls with a member of the research team. Assessments will be completed at weeks 2 and 4.
• Weeks 5-8: Check in phone calls with a member of the research team every other week. Assessments will be completed at weeks 6 and 8.

Data collected from participant assessments, adherence to medication, and re-admittance to a psychiatric facility will be used to compare the intervention to the SOC.