Peer Service Providers as Colleagues

Abstract

The inclusion of peer providers – individuals in recovery from mental health problems as service providers – is now a common practice across mental and behavioral healthcare settings. Known by various titles (e.g., peer specialists, consumer providers, recovery coaches, family support providers), these individuals use their lived experiences to assist others to cope with mental illnesses and to navigate highly complex behavioral health, primary care, and associated social service systems. There has been significant growth of such approaches and all states have developed or are implementing peer specialist programs, often with extensive training and certification initiatives. Over 25,000 individuals are working as peer specialists, of whom many received Medicaid reimbursement for their services. The National Association of Peer Specialists is a national trade organization for this specialty profession. The Veterans Health Administration employs over 1100 peer specialists across their services. This chapter reviews the development of this profession, the evidence for peer-provided services, and the roles and settings where such services are provided. A major focus is on how community psychiatrists work with peer providers to promote recovery from mental illnesses. Challenges and solutions to successfully implementing peer specialist initiatives are addressed.