Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Iris Place currently is not accepting guests. The Iris Place warm line, however, is operating 24/7.
WARM LINE: (920)815-3217
Our warm line is a form of social support for anyone experiencing emotional distress or crisis related to mental health and/or substance abuse. Our warm line offers a judgement free conversation with our experienced peer support specialists. Calls will be returned within 4 hours.
1213 S. Matthias St., Appleton, WI 54915
Iris Place provides a safe and welcoming environment that offers an opportunity for individuals experiencing emotional distress or crisis to grow and change through the support of others with lived experience.
Free to all Wisconsin adults (18 & over), who want and need peer support to navigate emotional distress or crisis related to mental health and/or substance use.
Offers a short-term stay in a home-like healing environment.
Provides hope & healing through 24/7/365 peer support.
Is a self-directed, strengths-based, holistic respite
Is Iris Place right for me?
Iris Place can be an alternative to a visit to the ER or hospital in times of emotional distress or crisis.
Iris Place Peer Run Respite is staffed by people with lived experience who are trained to listen and support you in finding your path to wellness and recovery.
A short term stay (1-7 nights) offers opportunities for one-on-one and group connections to explore crisis as an opportunity for growth and change. Guests must be willing and able to choose this service freely (self-referral). All services are voluntary and guests may come and go as they wish (including being able to go to work, school, appointments or other activities). Guests and staff agree to uphold the values of Iris Place to create an accessible, safe and healing environment.
Iris Place does not provide clinical supports like medication management or psychiatric services. Staff will support guests in accessing any resources they need, including services and supports in community.
What You Can Expect During a Stay at Iris Place
- Your own private, locking bedroom and access to shared spaces in our home. Our first floor is fully accessible.
- Access to resources in our house and community including art expression, books and wellness activities for mind, body and spirit.
- A safe, healing, trauma-informed, home-like, environment with a chance to rest and relax.
- Support in developing your own vision of wellness and an opportunity to develop and take action on your plan.
- Peer Support: Find connection one-on-one or in groups with staff and other guests
- Strengths-based, holistic peer-led recovery and wellness activities.

Frequently Asked Questions
Our Name
The Iris is a symbol of hope, wisdom and courage. Purple irises have special significance related to guiding people on their journeys. You will see a print of one of Vincent Van Gogh's famous iris paintings at our house. Considered one of the most talented and influential artists of all time, Van Gogh painted most of his art while institutionalized. NAMI has adopted the iris to represent our resiliency, strength and inner wisdom on our recovery journeys.
(920) 815-3217
Peer companions are available to talk 24/7/365
Iris Place
1213 S. Matthias St., Appleton, WI 54915
Iris Place is a program of NAMI Fox Valley funded by the State of Wisconsin Division of Care and Treatment Services.
Want to learn more about peer run respites? Click here to connect with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.