The following blog, shared on Mad in America, provides an overview of the research study “Designing Recovery-Oriented Care”. The study explores how therapeutic farm communities can implement recovery-oriented mental health practices, and is informing the development of Kyrie Therapeutic Farm (KTF) in Ireland which is set to open in 2026. The research identifies four key themes as important factors in therapeutic communities—common humanity, freedom and responsibility, interdependence, and continuous learning—which foster empathy, empowerment, and community integration. Findings suggest that therapeutic farms can effectively support recovery through holistic, person-centred care, though staff may face challenges in balancing institutional norms with these values. KTF,  aims to be a transformative model in Ireland’s mental health system.