Greetings from Minnesota!
We are a vibrant new branch of ISPS-US which started early in 2023 after Sasha, Pat, and Kathleen (pictured) met at the national ISPS-US conference in Sacramento. Our branch is a small but growing group of individuals with a variety of backgrounds who come together to discuss and promote our shared passion for equitable, just, dignified, and culturally-informed care for persons who experience extreme states. The group includes individuals with lived experience, family and friends of such persons, and those who work professionally in a variety of roles within the mental health system. No matter how or why you came to ISPS, you will find like-minded people to connect with in our branch.
We always welcome prospective branch members. If you would like more information about the branch or are interested in attending one of our monthly meetings, please email branch leader Kathleen Herling, MS, at mn@isps-us.org
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Resources
Minnesota has a complicated mental health system that can be challenging to navigate, not only for persons with lived experience but also for their loved ones. The following information is an overview of the different levels of care within the state as well as lists of specific programs in the twin cities metro area in each level of care. Please note the list of programs is not exhaustive and is not in any way meant to provide specific recommendations for care.
While Minnesota is generally considered to be a state with a quality health system there is room for improvement in the mental health sector. We do not yet have innovative approaches like Soteria houses or Open Dialogue but we in the Minnesota branch of ISPS-US continue to advocate for the implementation of such compassionate frameworks. Note that the resources listed here are what is currently available in the state. These options offer alternatives to inpatient (hospital) psychiatric care but their treatment is based on the bio-medical model with an emphasis on behavioral mitigation strategies.
If you have questions about the information provided or know of additional resources that should be added to the list, please email mn@isps-us.org
