Sustaining recovery through the night: impact of a peer-run warm line.

OBJECTIVE

This exploratory study describes the impact of a peer-run warm line on the lives of individuals with psychiatric disabilities.

METHODS

Phone surveys were completed with 480 warm line callers over four years.

RESULTS

Warm line callers reported a reduction in the use of crisis services and a reduction of feelings of isolation.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

The results indicate that peer-run warm lines can fill an important void in the lives of individuals living with mental illnesses. Although warm lines at any time of day are helpful, keeping warm lines running after 5pm and throughout the night provides support services not typically available after office hours and can assist with loneliness, symptom management, and the process of recovery. Warm lines staffed with appropriately trained, clinically supervised, compensated peer specialists can help round out mental health services in rural and urban communities. Future research should focus on the various implementation and funding options of this unique peer support service.