Peer Support Specialists, Peer Advocates and Recovery Coaches play a vital role in the process of recovery from Substance Use Disorder (herein “SUD”) and the ongoing treatment of nearly every mental health affliction recognized in society today. While professional therapy and counseling services are vital to mental health or substance use treatment and support, it almost always occurs in recurring, structured sessions with a mental health professional providing evidence based treatments (CBT, DBT, EMDR) or within treatment centers and rehab programs.
Certified peers are able to provide continuous motivation and accountability between sessions with daily check-ins, meeting in social settings outside an office, and round-the-clock support. Most importantly, certified peers and advocates bring the benefit of shared lived experiences allowing a level of understanding and empathy that may not be available within a clinical setting. They have “walked the walk” before starting their own recovery or treatment journey and going on to become board certified. They have trained in core competencies such as recovery support, practicing active listening, establishing boundaries and following strict ethical protocols. This means they are able to provide structured guidance and accountability while also providing hope and inspiration for the client to continue forward when things get tough.
Our goal is to ensure Peer Support is being provided to clients regardless of their therapeutic situation or stage of recovery. Many clients with SUD and/or mental health conditions begin their journey with limited means and/or access to treatment. Our business provides a free or low-cost option of care due to our services being covered by Medicaid and most other insurance providers. Often times, the only obstacle preventing clients from accessing peer services is a lack of exposure to this treatment option.
Peer Supporters offer:
- Thorough understanding of recovery principles
- Structured recovery planning and progress monitoring
- Proven evidence-based support strategies
- Professional boundaries and confidentiality standards
- Cultural competence and sensitivity
- Crisis recognition and handling skills
- In-person and digital support options for 24/7 availability
- Highest ethical practice standards
- Extensive network of referrals and resources
- Considerate integration with other health services and treatment plans
- Most up-to-date training and certifications
- Ongoing professional development and education
Benefits of Peer Support:
- Reduced hospital admissions
- Improved engagement with mental health services
- Enhanced self-efficacy and empowerment
- Decreased symptoms of depression and anxiety
- Improved social functioning and quality of life
One of the most common concerns in mental health and SUD is isolation. Our Peers target and shed light on that sense of being alone by providing our clients with someone who understands their struggles and encourages self-efficacy. Working with a Peer who has faced the same challenges and achieved some measure of success gives them hope that they can do the same. Our peers build a foundation of trust, understanding and relatability in order to reduce stigma and remove judgement from the equation. With this foundation they can build a structure of emotional stability, accountability, healthy routines and stress management.
Our peers are also available during unconventional hours and are able to meet with clients at a variety of locations. Crisis intervention and support will always be available but the majority of time spent with clients will be one-on-one meetings in virtual, public or neutral locations, attending support groups or recovery functions and being an advocate for basic needs such as housing, treatment or employment. By accomplishing goals that once felt impossible they further build upon that foundation and move farther from isolation and loneliness.