What is a Peer Specialist and how can they help?
Peer support services are delivered by individuals who have common life experiences with the people they are serving. People with mental and/or substance use disorders have a unique capacity to help each other based on a shared affiliation and a deep understanding of this experience. In self-help and mutual support, people offer this support, strength, and hope to their peers, which allows for personal growth, wellness promotion, and recovery.
Research has shown that peer support facilitates recovery and reduces health care costs. Peers also provide assistance that promotes a sense of belonging within the community. The ability to contribute to and enjoy one’s community is key to recovery and well-being. Another critical component that peers provide is the development of self-efficacy through role modeling and assisting peers with ongoing recovery through mastery of experiences and finding meaning, purpose, and social connections in their lives.
Peer support services are delivered by individuals who have common life experiences with the people they are serving. People with mental and/or substance use disorders have a unique capacity to help each other based on a shared affiliation and a deep understanding of this experience. In self-help and mutual support, people offer this support, strength, and hope to their peers, which allows for personal growth, wellness promotion, and recovery.
Research has shown that peer support facilitates recovery and reduces health care costs. Peers also provide assistance that promotes a sense of belonging within the community. The ability to contribute to and enjoy one’s community is key to recovery and well-being. Another critical component that peers provide is the development of self-efficacy through role modeling and assisting peers with ongoing recovery through mastery of experiences and finding meaning, purpose, and social connections in their lives.
Having a peer to support me through recovery has helped me tremendously. Without my peer specialist, I am not truly certain I would have been able to see the hope road and stay in mental health recovery |
Mental health recovery can mean so many different things. You might be a person recovering from addictions, or maybe you want to hear someone else's story who lives with mental health. Having a center to go to has helped me not feel alone and that if they can recover and cope, then so can I |
All 11 of our centers are free and open to the public. We serve anyone who is in need of support and resources related to mental health and substance use recovery. Our centers have sanctuary agreements in place to protect each and every person who enters our doors. Centers are a walk-in, drop-in, confidential, hi how are you doin' sort of place. We are here for you when you need support, or just a safe place to visit. There are Peer Specialists on staff at all times to help support those in need. Visit our centers tab to learn more about each center, where they are located, and the services they provide.