What is Peer Support & What services do we provide?

A peer support worker is someone with the lived experience of recovery from a mental health condition, substance use disorder, or both. They provide support to others experiencing similar challenges. They provide non-‐clinical, strengths-‐based support through their own recovery journey. Peer support workers may be referred to by different names depending upon the setting in which they practice. Common titles include: peer specialists, peer recovery coaches, peer advocates, and peer recovery support specialists. Peer support can be provided individually and in a group setting, and support clinical staff while advocating for the peers (clients) they serve.

Research supported by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) proves that peer specialists assists with the following:

Improves quality of life
Improve engagement and satisfaction with services and supports
Increases, empathy, acceptance, social support, and social functioning
Increases self-esteem and confidence
Increases a sense of hope and inspiration
Decreased hospitalizations, substance use, depression, and psychotic symptoms
Reduce the overall cost of services

How Can Peer Support Help Your Organization?

There is a workforce shortage which means there aren't enough clinicians to serve those who need clinical treatment such as therapy. There are waiting lists for three months or longer, and clients have no choice but to wait and often find that their symptoms become worse or they get discouraged, and stop seeking treatment. What if your clients could work with a Peer Support Specialist in the interim? Your organization or private practice can contract our services and we will work together to serve those on waiting lists. Peer support can also be provided as additional ongoing support to the treatment team.