Living Rooms: The ultimate third place for mental health

The concept of a third place was first coined by psychologist Ray Oldenburg in 1989 and has become an important way to think about community well-being. For anyone not familiar, the third place is essentially anywhere that isn’t your first place (home) or second place (work). 

In many communities, this third place can be represented by cafés, bars or pubs, parks, gyms, libraries, or many other centers of social gathering. They are essential neutral ground spaces for us to have when we need somewhere to connect, relax, or foster connections. 

The third place for mental health

But what happens if we are suffering from a mental health crisis? 

When we go through a mental health crisis, our options narrow into a parallel version of this two-place trap. Our first place (home) shifts to mean our private support network of friends and family, while our second place (work/utility) becomes institutional medical care, like emergency rooms and hospitals.

There’s a problem here. Your home – or your friends’ homes – while often functioning as a refuge, can also be detrimental to your mental health in certain scenarios. Whether you have a difficult home situation or just require additional support close ones can’t provide, it isn’t always suitable. 

Hospitals, on the other hand, are not “neutral spaces” – they perform very specific, specialized functions. If you don’t have an immediate physical need, you aren’t able to remain in a hospital. 

Common mental health third spaces

For this reason, we need a variety of mental health third spaces that offer distinct resources depending on the situation you find yourself in. 

We have, over the years, recommended a number of mental health third spaces, from peer support groups to “men’s shed” initiatives for older men.

But there’s one initiative in particular that is proving essential for adults over eighteen years of age if they need to avert a crisis other than a hospital. They are called Living Rooms.

What are Living Rooms?

Living Rooms vary, but any given location may provide showers, meals or snacks, and rest areas with mental health professionals on-site available for talk. They don't have medications on hand, they just provide support and education. 

This isn't a theoretical concept – it is a proven, physical reality on the ground in Illinois. Patricia Johnstone is the Program Director at Trinity Services, which has been operating physical Living Room spaces in Orland Park and Joliet for around six years now.

Patricia says, "Nearly everyone who experiences our Living Room for the first time says the same thing: ‘I wish I had known about this sooner.”

“If you're not familiar with the Living Room, I would suggest coming and visiting one. We have 'check us out' times that people can just come through and don't have to need our help or services in the moment, but just to get some familiarity with what a Living Room has to offer. Because that level of peer support – talking to someone who understands – is a different conversation than having with family and friends."

The role of families in providing support

Living Rooms aren't just a sanctuary for the individuals experiencing a crisis; they also serve as a vital lifeline for the people who love them. Navigating a loved one's mental health struggles can leave families feeling helpless, especially if that person isn't ready to seek medical attention. 

Patricia, who understands this dynamic firsthand, notes that the program actively steps in to fill this gap: "Coming from the family side, I’ve had many conversations with family members supporting loved ones who may not yet be ready for this level of support. We take time to listen, talk things through, and help families understand the different options available to them."

Is a Living Room for me?

Of course, not all referrals take place through family members. And at times this can lead to feelings of impostor syndrome. 

When we’re going through a difficult period, we may not be sure if we reach the threshold of whatever service is being offered. 

We may wonder, “what if I get there and they say I’m not eligible or my crisis isn’t severe enough?” That fear of not being "sick enough" often keeps people suffering in silence, but the Living Room model strips away that rigid clinical gatekeeping entirely. As Patricia explains: "We don't define a crisis for any guests. It's how they identify a crisis for themselves. We have people coming in with anxiety, depression, bipolar, psychosis, and other related conditions as well.” 

Shifting our approach to crisis care

Ultimately, breaking down the barriers to mental health care requires shifting our perspective on where healing can happen. By offering a true "third space" – one that sits comfortably between the isolation of home and the clinical intensity of a hospital – initiatives like Living Rooms give people permission to seek help on their own terms, exactly when they need it most.

If we want to build healthier, more resilient communities, we must continue to champion and expand these warm, neutral environments where no one is judged, no crisis is minimized, and everyone is welcome.

More info on Trinity Services

Trinity Services is an Illinois-based nonprofit organization dedicated to helping children and adults with mental health needs and intellectual or developmental disabilities flourish. Guided by a philosophy of servant leadership, Trinity provides comprehensive, person-directed care across more than 35 communities. Their extensive network includes residential services, community day programs, employment assistance, and robust behavioral health crisis support.

The 24/7 Living Room Program operates out of Orland Park and Joliet. Designed as a warm, home-like alternative to emergency rooms, these spaces provide a calm environment where guests can de-escalate self-defined crises. 

As Patricia says, "Our doors are always open. Families can come in together, look around, and experience the space with no commitment." That first visit often shifts perceptions, replacing uncertainty with comfort and reassurance.

For help or support, you can contact Trinity Services via their website. Find a Living Room near you here. ​​  For any other information, feel free to reach out to us at MHAI here.