The social debate around psychiatric treatment that was sparked by the critique put forward by R D Laing, a founding figure of PA, and others, has wrought many changes and psychiatric practice has changed considerably. However there is still a need for refuges' where there is an emphasis on living together in all its difficulty and richness, and where the members of a household can put in question the things that trouble them in places where solutions are neither too readily offered nor forced upon them. The houses are open to those who have been through psychiatric treatment, or to those who have reached a point of crisis where ordinary living arrangements have become unbearable or untenable. At present there are three houses, all in north London. They are low-cost, affordable by those eligible for housing benefit and most with modest private means.
Therapists attend house meetings several times a week.
Individual residents are also encouraged to be in their own psychotherapy outside the house and are given some financial help towards this. There are no other formal expectations regarding therapy. Selection of new residents is made by all the residents and therapists at the house meetings on the basis of a person's capacity to contribute to the ethos of the community, and the likelihood of benefiting from this venture. Applicants can refer themselves directly to a house to be invited to one or a series of house meetings. Details of any vacancies in the houses can be obtained from the PA office.