Hartford HealthCare Focuses on ‘Radical Recovery’ to Reimagine Behavioral Health Care
Since opening its doors in 1824, Hartford HealthCare’s Institute of Living has prioritized providing quality care and “moral treatment” to patients and families. The institute’s team is now introducing the concept of “radical recovery” as it works to reshape behavioral health care.
Radical recovery means ensuring behavioral health care is “far less coercive and much more community centered,” explains Juveed Sukhera, M.D., chair of psychiatry at the Institute of Living and chief of psychiatry at Hartford Hospital in Connecticut. “Radical recovery is built on a foundation of codesigning care, enhancing choice and embracing the healing power of community,” he says.
This concept encompasses three principles supported by 10 strategic goals:
- Integration — integrating care to improve access; integrating clinical, education and research missions; integrating medical and recovery-based models.
- Liberation — codesigning care with patients, families and community; reducing coercive practices; advancing diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging; promoting staff well-being and growth.
- Innovation — integrating data and technology in the work; promoting knowledge mobilization and storytelling; advancing innovations in real-time care.
The Institute of Living offers a wide range of behavioral health services, education and training, and conducts research on behavioral health issues including anxiety disorders, racial trauma and community healing. Care teams include people who have lived experience (or have family members with lived experience) and are certified as recovery support specialists.
One of the first mental health centers in the U.S. and the first hospital of any kind in Connecticut, the institute sees radical recovery as continuing its focus on providing quality care and moving from coping and symptom control to healing — and helping people heal before they experience a crisis.