Peer Support
Introducing our new Peer Informational Guide designed for community members interested in the practice of Peer Support. This 24 page guide covers topics such as definitions, roles and best practices in the Peer Specialist field. The guide was created in collaboration with our Peer Outreach Subcommittee.
A viewable pdf version can be accessed here
What is Peer Support?
In Behavioral health, a peer is someone who has the lived experience of struggling with some sort of mental health and/or substance use disorder. Peer to peer support is a relationship between two individuals who “get it” when sharing their struggle. It is the “process of giving and receiving encouragement and assistance to achieve long-term recovery.” Peers “offer emotional support, share knowledge, teach skills, provide practical assistance, and connect people with resources, opportunities, communities of support, and other people” (Mead, 2003; Solomon, 2004). Peer support may consist of one peer who is the paid supporter or just two friends in recovery supporting one another. Peers relate to each other and are able to model that recovery is possible and mental illness does not have to define who we are. They are living proof that anyone can get well, stay well and go on to live meaningful lives.
That sounds AWESOME! Where do I sign-up?
f you would like to start your journey as a peer professional you should probably get trained! There are a number of trainings available for Peer Certification on the CalMHSA Peer Certification website.
For a list of Certified CalMHSA Peer Support Specialist trainings visit this link.
California Medi-Cal Peer Certification Program
The California Mental Health Services Authority (CalMHSA) is the certifying entity, responsible for certification, examination, and enforcement of professional standards for Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialists in California. All applicants seeking certification are required to successfully pass an exam ensuring any individual holding a certification has meet the minimum educational requirements.
What is the evidence?
Peer support is recognized as an evidence-based practice for individuals with mental health conditions or challenges. Quantitative and qualitative evidence indicates that peer support:
- Lowers costs associated with traditional mental health services by reducing re-hospitalization rates and inpatient stays
- Increased the utilization of outpatient services
- Improves a person’s quality of life
- Increases and improves service engagement
- Increases whole health and self-management
Here are some articles on the evidence of peer support:
- Revisiting The Rationale and Evidence for Peer Support (Psychiatric Times, 2018)
- Value of Peers (SAMSHA, 2017)
- Evidence for Peer Support (Mental Health America, 2019)
What are Peers doing in Marin?
Peers in Marin County have been passing on the message of recovery since the early 90s. Currently, Peers perform a variety of different and unique roles specific to their lived experiences. Here are some examples of the work peers are doing:
- Work with clinical staff in most of all BHRS Full-Service Partnership (FSP) teams
- Support individuals on the peer to peer support warmline
- Engage with youth who are at risk and transitioning into adulthood
- Conduct outreach and engagement with individuals experiencing homelessness
- Connect with older adults in isolation
- Assist adults and young adults in their substance use recovery