Peer Support

Peers Supporting Recovery 

from Substance Use Disorders

	
   	
   Peers Supporting Recovery 

from Mental Health Conditions

Value	
  of	
  Peers, 2017



Family, Parent and 

Caregiver Peer Support 

in Behavioral Health
	 	

Value	of	Peers, 2017

Peer Support
“Because of peer support I

am alive!”

—Melodie

PEER	SUPPORT
	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
  

What is	Peer Support?	

Peer support	
  encompasses a	
  range of acNviNes and interacNons between people who share

similar experiences of being diagnosed with mental health condiNons, substance use

disorders, or both. This mutuality—o>en called “peerness”—between a	
  peer support	
  

worker and person in or seeking recovery promotes connecNon and inspires hope.

Peer support	
  offers a	
  level of acceptance, understanding, and validaNon not	
  found in many

other professional relaNonships (Mead & McNeil, 2006). By sharing their own lived

experience and pracNcal guidance, peer support	
  workers help people to develop their own

goals, create strategies for self-­‐empowerment, and take concrete steps towards building

fulfilling, self-­‐determined lives for themselves.
	 	 	 	 	 	

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
  

What Does A	Peer Support Worker Do?

A peer support	
  worker is someone with the lived experience of recovery from a	
  mental

health condiNon, substance use disorder, or both. They provide support	
  to others

experiencing similar challenges. They provide non-­‐clinical, strengths-­‐based support	
  and are

“experienNally credenNaled” by their own recovery journey (Davidson, et	
  al., 1999). Peer

support	
  workers may be referred to by different	
  names depending upon the sePng in

which they pracNce. Common Ntles include: peer specialists, peer recovery coaches, peer

advocates, and peer recovery support	
  specialists.
	 	 	 	 	 	 	

	 	 	

What Does A	Peer Support Worker Do? cont.
 

Peer support workers

inspire hope that	
  people can and do recover;
 

walk with people on their recovery journeys;
 	
  	
  

dispel myths about	
  what	
  it	
  means to have a	
  mental health condiNon or substance
 

use disorder;

provide self-­‐help educaNon and link people to tools and resources; and	
  	
  

support	
  people in idenNfying their goals, hopes, and dreams, and creaNng a	
  

roadmap for gePng there.
	 	 	 	 	 	 	

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

What Does A	Peer Support Worker Do? cont.
 

Peer support	
  workers can help break down barriers of experience and understanding, as

well as power dynamics that	
  may get	
  in the way of working with other members of the

treatment	
  team. The peer support	
  worker’s role is to assist	
  people with finding and

following their own recovery paths, without	
  judgment, expectaNon, rules, or requirements.

Peer support	
  workers pracNce in a	
  range of sePngs, including peer-­‐run organizaNons,

recovery community centers, recovery residences, drug courts and other criminal jusNce

sePngs, hospital emergency departments, child welfare agencies, homeless shelters, and

behavioral health and primary care sePngs. In addiNon to providing the many types of

assistance encompassed in the peer support	
  role, they conduct	
  a variety of outreach and

engagement	
  acNviNes.
“Peer support has	
  been there for me no ma8er

what, and now I am able to help others...”

—Liza
	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

How Does	Peer Support	Help?
 

The role of a	
  peer support	
  worker complements, but	
  does

not	
  duplicate or replace the roles of therapists, case

managers, and other members of a	
  treatment	
  team.

Peer support	
  workers bring their own personal

knowledge of what	
  it	
  is like to live and thrive with mental

health condiNons and substance use disorders. They

support	
  people’s progress towards recovery and self-­‐

determined lives by sharing vital experienNal informaNon

and real examples of the power of recovery. The sense of

mutuality created through thoughMul sharing of

experience is influenNal in modeling recovery and offering

hope (Davidson, Bellamy, Guy, & Miller, 2012).
“When I saw that other	
  people recovered,

it gave me hope that	
  I could	
  too.” —Corinna
	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
  	
  

	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
  

	
   	
  	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
  

	 	 	 	

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

Does Peer Support Make A	Difference?

Emerging research shows that	
  peer support	
  is effecNve for supporNng recovery from behavioral health

condiNons. Benefits of peer support	
  may include:

Increased self-­‐esteem

and confidence

(Davidson, et	
  al., 1999; Salzer,	
  2002)	
   Increased sense of control and

ability to bring about	
  changes in

their lives

(Davidson, et	
  al., 2012)

Raised empowerment	
  scores

(Davidson, et	
  al., 1999; Dumont	
  & Jones,

2002; Ochoka, Nelson, Janzen, & Trainor,	
  

2006; Resnick & Rosenheck,	
  2008) Increased sense that	
  

treatment	
  is responsive

and inclusive of needs

(Davidson, et	
  al., 2012)
	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
  	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
  	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
  	
  

	
   	
   	
  

	 	 	 	

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

Does Peer Support Make A	Difference? cont.
 Emerging research shows that	
  peer support	
  is effecNve for supporNng recovery from behavioral health

condiNons. Benefits of peer support	
  may include:

Increased sense of hope

and inspiraNon

(Davidson, et	
  al., 2006; Ratzlaff,

McDiarmid, Marty, & Rapp, 2006) Increased empathy and

acceptance (camaraderie)

(Coatswortha Puspokey,	
  Forchuk, & Warda

Griffin, 2006; Davidson, et	
  al., 1999)

Increased engagement	
  in

selfa care and wellness

(Davidson, et	
  al., 2012)

Increased social support	
  

and social funcNoning

(Kurtz, 1990; Nelson, Ochocka, Janzen,

& Trainor,	
  2006; Ochoka et	
  al., 2006;

Trainor,	
  Shepherd,	
  Boydell, Leff,	
  &

Crawford, 1997; Yanos, Primavera, &

Knight, 2001)
	 	 	 	

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
  	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
  

	
  	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
  	
   	
   	
   	
  

Does Peer Support Make A	Difference? cont.
 Emerging research shows that	
  peer support	
  is effecNve for supporNng recovery from behavioral health

condiNons. Benefits of peer support	
  may include:

Decreased psychoNc

symptoms

(Davidson, et	
  al., 2012)

Reduced hospital admission rates

and longer community tenure

(Chinman, Weingarten, Stayner, & Davidson, 2001;

Davidson, et	
  al., 2012; Forchuk, MarNn, Chan, &

Jenson, 2005; Min, Whitecra>, Rothbard, Salzer,	
  2007)	
  

Decreased substance use

and depression

(Davidson, et	
  al., 2012)
“Peer	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   support allowed me to feel ‘normal.’”

—Jean
	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

REFERENCES

Chinman, M. J., Weingarten, R., Stayner, D., & Davidson, L. (2001). Chronicity reconsidered: improving person-­‐environment	
  fit	
  through a	
  consumer-­‐run service.

Community mental health journal, 37(3), 215-­‐229.

Coatsworth-­‐Puspoky, R., Forchuk, C., & Ward-­‐Griffin, C. (2006). Peer support	
  relaNonships: an unexplored interpersonal process in mental health. Journal of

psychiatric	
  and mental health nursing, 13(5), 490-­‐497.

Davidson, L., Bellamy, C., Guy, K., & Miller, R. (2012). Peer support	
  among persons with severe mental illnesses: a	
  review of evidence and experience. World

Psychiatry, 11(2), 123-­‐128.

Davidson, L., Chinman, M., Kloos, B., Weingarten, R., Stayner,	
  D.,	
  & Tebes, J. K. (1999). Peer support	
  among individuals with severe mental illness: A review of

the evidence. Clinical psychology: Science and prac;ce, 6(2), 165-­‐187.

Dumont, J., & Jones, K. (2002). Findings from a	
  consumer/survivor defined alternaNve to psychiatric hospitalizaNon. Outlook, 3(Spring), 4-­‐6.

Forchuk, C., MarNn, M. L., Chan, Y. L., & Jensen, E. (2005). TherapeuNc relaNonships: From psychiatric hospital to community. Journal of psychiatric	
  and mental

health nursing, 12(5), 556-­‐564.

Kurtz, L. F. (1990). The self-­‐help movement: Review of the past	
  decade of research. Social Work with Groups, 13(3), 101-­‐115.

Min, S. Y., Whitecra>,	
  J.,	
  Rothbard,	
  A. B.,	
  & Salzer, M. S. (2007). Peer support	
  for persons with co-­‐occurring disorders and community tenure: a	
  survival

analysis. Psychiatric	
  rehabilita;on journal, 30(3), 207-­‐213.

Mead, S., & McNeil, C. (2006). Peer support: What	
  makes it	
  unique. Interna;onal Journal of Psychosocial Rehabilita;on, 10(2), 29-­‐37.

Nelson,	
  G.,	
  Ochocka, J., Janzen, R., & Trainor, J. (2006). A longitudinal study of mental health consumer/survivor iniNaNves: Part	
  1—Literature review and

overview of the study. Journal of Community Psychology, 34(3), 247-­‐260.
	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

REFERENCES cont.	
  

Ochocka, J., Nelson, G., Janzen, R., & Trainor, J. (2006). A longitudinal study of mental health consumer/survivor iniNaNves: Part	
  3—A qualitaNve study of

impacts of parNcipaNon on new members. Journal of Community Psychology, 34(3), 273-­‐283.

Ratzlaff,	
  S.,	
  McDiarmid, D., Marty, D., & Rapp, C. (2006). The Kansas Consumer as Provider program: measuring the effects of a	
  supported educaNon iniNaNve.

Psychiatric	
  Rehabilita;on Journal, 29(3), 174-­‐182.

Resnick,	
  S,	
  G.,	
  & Rosenheck, R. A. (2008). IntegraNng peer-­‐provided services: a	
  quasi-­‐ experimental study of recovery orientaNon, confidence, and

empowerment. Psychiatric	
  Services, 59(11), 1307-­‐1317.

Salzer, M. S. (2002). Consumer-­‐Delivered Services as a	
  Best	
  PracNce in Mental Health Care Delivery and The Development	
  of PracNce Guidelines: Mental Health

AssociaNon of Southeastern Pennsylvania	
  Best	
  PracNces Team Philadelphia. Psychiatric	
  Rehabilita;on Skills, 6(3), 355-­‐382.

Trainor, J., Shepherd, M., Boydell, K. M., Leff, A., & Crawford, E. (1997). Beyond the service paradigm: The impact	
  and implicaNons of consumer/survivor

iniNaNves. Psychiatric	
  Rehabilita;on Journal, 21(2), 132-­‐140.

Yanos, T. P., Primavera, L. H., & Knight, E. L. (2001). Consumer-­‐run service parNcipaNon, recovery of social funcNoning, and the mediaNng role of psychological

factors. Psychiatric	
  Services, 52(4), 493-­‐500.
	 	

Value	of	Peers, 2017 

Peers Supporting Recovery from 

Mental Health Conditions
	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
  

	 	

	 	

Peers Supporting 

Recovery from 

Mental Health 

Conditions

“Peer support has	
  been

excellent. Helping us	
  along the

way, being	
  there whenever you

need people to talk	
  to. I don’t

know where to begin. They’re

always	
  there ... no ma7er what

it is.”

—Mika
	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

What is	Peer Support?	

Peer support1 encompasses a	
  range of acMviMes and interacMons between people who have

shared similar experiences of being diagnosed with mental health condiMons. This

mutuality—o?en called “peerness”—between a	
  peer worker and person using services

promotes connecMon and inspires hope.

Peer support	
  offers a	
  level of acceptance, understanding, and validaMon not	
  found in many

other professional relaMonships (Mead and McNeil, 2006). “I	
  am an expert	
  at not	
  being an

expert, and that	
  takes a	
  lot	
  of experMse,” said one (anonymous) peer worker, highlighMng

the supporMve rather than direcMve nature of the peer relaMonship (Promise Resource

Network, 2016). By sharing their own lived experience and pracMcal guidance, peer workers

help people to develop their own goals, create strategies for self-­‐empowerment, and take

concrete steps towards building fulfilling, self-­‐determined lives for themselves.

1 This document	
  focuses exclusively on peer support	
  services related to mental health condiMons.
	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	 	 	 	 	

What Do Peer Support Specialists	Do?	

Support the Recovery of Individuals

Peer workers offer encouragement, pracMcal assistance, guidance, and understanding to support	
  

recovery. Peer support	
  workers walk alongside people in recovery, offering individualized supports and

demonstraMng that	
  recovery is possible. They share their own lived experience of moving from

hopelessness to hope. They share tools that	
  can complement	
  or replace clinical supports by providing

strategies for self-­‐empowerment	
  and achieving a	
  self-­‐determined life. They support	
  people in recovery

to connect	
  with their own inner strength, moMvaMon, and desire to move forward in life, even when

experiencing challenges. Peer workers offer different	
  types of support, including:

emoMonal (empathy and camaraderie)

informaMonal (connecMons to informaMon and referrals to community resources that	
  support	
  

health and wellness)

instrumental (concrete supports such as housing or employment)

affiliaMonal support	
  (connecMons to community supports, acMviMes, and events)
	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  	
  

	 	 	 	

What Do Peer Support Specialists	Do?	cont.

Improve Mental Health Systems

Peer support	
  is valuable not	
  only for the person receiving services, but	
  also for behavioral

health professionals and the systems in which they work. Peer workers educate their

colleagues and advance the field by sharing their perspecMves and experience in order to

increase understanding of how pracMces and policies may be improved to promote

wellness and resiliency. This is parMcularly important	
  in mental health systems, where

historical oppression, violence, and discriminaMon present	
  significant	
  barriers to recovery

for many people. Peer workers play vital roles in moving behavioral health professionals

and systems towards recovery orientaMon.
	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

“Because of peer support,

I can stand on my own today.”

—John
	 	 	 	 	 	 	

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  	
  

	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
  	
  

	
   	
  	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
  	
  

	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
  

	
  	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
  	
  

	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
  	
  

IS PEER	RECOVERY SUPPORT EFFECTIVE FOR	PEOPLE WITH MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS?

The research on peer support	
  in mental health systems is sMll emerging, but	
  findings are

promising. The research to date suggests that	
  peer recovery support	
  may result	
  in:

engagement	
  

Increased

quality of life

and life

saMsfacMon

(Bologna	
  & Pulice,	
   2010;

Felton, et	
  al., 1995)

(Min, et	
  al., 2007)

Increased

empowerment	
  

and hope

(Chinman, et	
  al., 2013,

Cook, et	
  al., 2010;

Repper & Carter, 2011)

Increased

engagement	
  and

acMvaMon in

treatment	
  

(Druss, et	
  al., 2010; Short, et	
  al.,

2012; Bellamy, et	
  al., 2012)

Increased social

funcMoning

(Walker & Bryant, 2013)

Increased community
	 	 	 	 	 	 	

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  	
  

IS PEER	RECOVERY SUPPORT EFFECTIVE FOR	PEOPLE WITH MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS? cont.

The research on peer support	
  in mental health systems is sMll emerging, but	
  findings are
 

promising. The research to date suggests that	
  peer recovery support	
  may result	
  in:
 

Reduced use of

inpaMent	
  services	
  	
   (Chinman, et	
  al., 2014; Min, et	
  

al., 2007; Sledge, et	
  al., 2011)

Decreased costs to the

mental health system	
  	
   (Trachtenberg, et	
  al., 2013)

Decreased self-­‐sMgma	
  

(Corrigan, et	
  al., 2013)

Decreased

hospitalizaMon	
  	
   (Davidson, et	
  al., 2012)
	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

REFERENCES

Bellamy, C. D., Rowe, M., Benedict, P., & Davidson, L. (2012). Giving back and gePng something back: The role of mutual-­‐ aid groups for individuals in recovery

from incarceraMon, addicMon, and mental illness. Journal of Groups in Addic=on & Recovery, 7, 223-­‐236.

Bologna, M. J., & Pulice, R. T. (2011). EvaluaMon of a	
  peer-­‐run hospital diversion program: A descripMve study. American Journal of Psychiatric	
  Rehabilita=on,

14, 272-­‐286.

Chinman, M., Oberman, R. S., Hanusa, B. H., Cohen, A. N., Salyers, M. P., Twamley, E. W., & Young, A. S. (2015). A cluster randomized trial of adding peer

specialists to intensive case management	
  teams in the Veterans Health AdministraMon. Journal of Behavioral Health Services Research, 42, 109-­‐121.

Chinman, M., George, P., Dougherty, R. H., Daniels, A. S., Ghose,	
  S. S.,	
  Swi?,	
  A.,	
  & Delphin-­‐RiOmon, M. E. (2014). Peer support	
  services for individuals with

serious mental illnesses: Assessing the evidence. Psychiatric	
  Services, 65, 429-­‐441.

Coatsworth-­‐Puspoky, R., Forchuk, C., & Ward-­‐Griffin, C. (2006). Peer support	
  relaMonships: An unexplored interpersonal process in mental health. Journal of

Psychiatric	
  & Mental Health Nursing, 13(5), 490–497.

Cook, J. A., Copeland, M. E., Corey, L., Buffington, E., Jonikas, J. A., CurMs, L. C., ... & Nichols, W. H. (2010). Developing the evidence base for peer-­‐led services:

Changes among parMcipants following Wellness Recovery AcMon Planning (WRAP) educaMon in two statewide iniMaMves. Psychiatric	
  Rehabilita=on Journal,

34, 113-­‐120.

Corrigan, P. W., & Sokol, K. A. (2013). The impact	
  of self-­‐ sMgma	
  and mutual help programs on the quality of life of people with serious mental illnesses.

Community Mental Health Journal, 49, 1-­‐6.

Davidson, L., Bellamy, C., Guy, K., & Miller, R. (2012). Peer support	
  among persons with severe mental illnesses: A review of evidence and experience. World

Psychiatry, 11, 123-­‐128.

Druss, B. G., Zhao, L., von Esenwein, S. A., Bona, J. R., Fricks, L., Jenkins-­‐Tucker, S, Sterling, E., Diclemente, R., & Lorig, K. (2010). The Health and Recovery Peer

(HARP) Program: A peer-­‐led intervenMon to improve medical self-­‐management	
  for persons with serious mental illness. Schizophrenia Research, 118,

264-­‐270.
	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

REFERENCES cont.

Felton, C., Stastny,	
  P.,	
  Shern, D., Blanch, A., Donahue, S., Knight, E., & Brown, C. (1995). Consumers as peer specialists on intensive case management	
  teams:

Impact	
  on client	
  outcomes. Psychiatric	
  Services, 46, 1037-­‐1044.

Mead, S., & MacNeil, C. (2006). Peer support: What	
  makes it	
  unique? InternaMonal Journal of Psychosocial Rehabilita=on, 10, 29-­‐37.

Min, S-­‐Y., Whitecra?,	
  J.,	
  Rothbard,	
  A. B.,	
  & Salzer, M. S. (2007). Peer support	
  for persons with co-­‐occurring disorders and community tenure: A survival analysis.

Psychiatric	
  Rehabilita=on Journal, 30, 207-­‐213.

Short, R., Woods-­‐Nyc, K., Cross. S. L., Hurst, M., Gordish,	
  L.,	
  & Raia, J. (2012). The impact	
  of forensic peer support	
  specialists on risk reducMon and discharge

readiness in a	
  psychiatric facility a	
  five-­‐year perspecMve. InternaMonal Journal of Psychosocial Rehabilita=on, 16, 3-­‐10.

Sledge, W. H., Lawless, M., Sells, D., Wieland, M., O’Connell, M. J., & Davidson, L. (2011). EffecMveness of peer support	
  in reducing readmissions of persons with

mulMple psychiatric hospitalizaMons. Psychiatric	
  Services, 62, 541-­‐544.

Trachtenberg T, Parsonage M, Shepherd G, Boardman J. (2013) Peer Support	
  in mental health: Is it	
  good value for money? London: Centre for Mental Health

Walker, G., & Bryant, W. (2013). Peer support	
  in adult	
  mental health services: A metasynthesis of qualitaMve findings. Psychiatric	
  Rehabilita=on Journal, 36,

28-­‐34.
	
   	
  

Value	
  of	
  Peers, 2017

Peers Supporting Recovery from 

Substance Use Disorders
“Peer support helped me see

that I was	not hopeless. It gave

me my voice back	and bolstered

my self-worth.”

—Michelle

Peers Supporting

Recovery from 

	
   	
  

Substance Use 

Disorders

	
   	
  
	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

What are Peer Recovery Support Services?

Peer recovery support	
  services,1 delivered	
  by peer recovery coaches, are one form of peer

support. They involve the process of giving and receiving non-­‐clinical assistance to support	
  

long-­‐term recovery from substance use disorders. A peer recovery coach brings the lived

experience of recovery, combined with training and supervision, to assist	
  others in

iniIaIng and maintaining recovery, helping to enhance the quality of personal and family

life in long-­‐term recovery (White, 2009). Peer recovery support	
  services can support	
  or be

an alternaIve to clinical treatment	
  for substance use disorders.

1 Peer recovery support	
  services, peer-­‐delivered recovery support, and peer-­‐based recovery support	
  are used interchangeably.
	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

What	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   are Peer Recovery Support Services? cont.
 

Peer-­‐based recovery supports are part	
  of an emerging transformaIon of systems and

services addressing substance use disorders. They are essenIal ingredients in developing a	
  

recovery-­‐oriented system in which clinical treatment	
  plays an important, but	
  singular, role.

Acute care substance use treatment	
  without	
  other recovery supports has o:en not	
  been

sufficient	
  in helping individuals to maintain long-­‐term recovery. Substance use disorders

are currently understood to be chronic condiIons that	
  require long-­‐term management, like

diabetes. Peer-­‐based recovery support	
  provides a	
  range of person-­‐centered and strength-­‐

based supports for long-­‐term recovery management. These supports help people in

recovery	
  build recovery capital—the internal and external resources necessary to begin and

maintain recovery (Best	
  & Laudet,	
  2010; Cloud & Granfield,	
  2008).
	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

What	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   Do Peer Recovery Coaches Do?

Peer recovery coaches walk side by side with individuals seeking recovery from substance

use disorders. They help people to create their own recovery plans, and develop their own

recovery pathways.

Recovery coaches provide many different	
  types of support, including

emoIonal (empathy and concern)

informaIonal (connecIons to informaIon and referrals to community resources

that	
  support	
  health and wellness)
 

instrumental (concrete supports such as housing or employment)
 

affiliaIonal support	
  (connecIons to recovery community supports, acIviIes, and
 

events)
 
	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
  	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

What	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   Do Peer Recovery Coaches Do? cont.

Recovery plans and other supports are customized, and build on each individual’s strengths,

needs, and recovery goals.

Peer recovery support	
  focuses on long-­‐term recovery and is rooted in a	
  culture of hope,

health, and wellness. The focus of long-­‐term peer recovery support	
  goes beyond the reducIon

or eliminaIon of symptoms to encompass self-­‐actualizaIon, community and civic

engagement, and overall wellness.

The unique relaIonship between the peer recovery coach and the individual in or seeking

recovery is grounded in trust, and focused on providing the individual with tools, resources,

and support	
  to achieve long-­‐term recovery.

Peer recovery coaches work in a	
  range of seLngs, including recovery community centers,

recovery residences, drug courts and other criminal jusIce seLngs, hospital emergency

departments, child welfare agencies, homeless shelters, and behavioral health and primary

care seLngs. In addiIon to providing the range of support	
  encompassed in the peer recovery

coach role, they take an acIve role in outreach and engagement	
  within these seLngs.
“When I needed someone to walk	

beside me, peer support was	there.”		 —Steve
	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  	
  

Is	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   Peer Recovery Coaching EffecCve?

People who have worked with peer recovery coaches provide strong tesImonies of the

posiIve impacts of peer recovery support	
  on their own recovery journeys. The research

supports these experiences. While the body of research is sIll growing, there is mounIng

evidence that	
  people receiving peer recovery coaching show reducIons in substance use,

improvements on a	
  range or recovery outcomes, or both. Two rigorous systemaIc reviews

examined the body of published research on the effecIveness of peer-­‐delivered recovery

supports published between 1995 and 2014. Both concluded that	
  there is a	
  posiIve impact	
  

on parIcipants (Bassuk, Hanson, Greene, Richard, & Laudet,	
  2016; Reif et	
  al., 2014).
	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
  

Is Peer Recovery Coaching EffecCve? cont.

Emerging research indicates that	
  peer recovery coaching holds promise for supporIng recovery from

substance use disorders. Taken as a	
  whole, the current	
  body of research suggests that	
  people receiving

peer recovery support	
  may experience:

Increased treatment	
  

retenIon

(Mangrum, 2008; Deering et 

al., 2011; Tracy et al., 2011)

Improved

relaIonship

with

treatment	
  

providers

(Sanders et al., 1998; 

Andreas et al., 2010)

Greater

housing

stability

(Ja et al., 2009)

Improved access to

social supports

(O’Connell, ND; Boisvert et al., 

2008; Andreas et al., 2010)

Increased saIsfacIon

with the overall

treatment	
  experience

(Armitage at al., 2010)
	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
  

Is Peer Recovery Coaching EffecCve? cont.

Emerging research indicates that	
  peer recovery coaching holds promise for supporIng recovery from

substance use disorders. Taken as a	
  whole, the current	
  body of research suggests that	
  people receiving

peer recovery support	
  may experience:

Reduced

relapse rates

(Boisvert et al., 2008)

Reduced

substance use

(Bernstein, et al., 2005; Boyd 

et al., 2005; Kamon & Turner, 

2013; Mangrum, 2008; 

O’Connell, ND; Rowe, et al., 

2007; Armitage at al., 2010)

Decreased

criminal

jusIce

involvement

(Rowe, et al., 2007; 

Mangrum, 2008)

Reduced

re-hospitalizaIon rates

(Min et al., 2007)

Decreased emergency

service uIlizaIon

(Kamon & Turner, 2013)
	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  	
  

REFERENCES

Armitage, E. V., Lyons, H., & Moore, T. L. (2010). Recovery Association Project (RAP), Portland, Oregon. Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly, 28(3), 339–357.

Bernstein, E., Bernstein, J., Tassiopoulos, K., Heeren, T., Levenson, S., & Hingson, R. (2005). Brief motivational intervention at a clinic visit reduces cocaine and 

heroin use. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 77(1), 49–59. 

Boisvert, R. A., Martin, L. M., Grosek, M., & Claire, A. J. (2008). Effectiveness of a peer-support community in addiction recovery: Participation as intervention. 

Occupational Therapy International, 15(4), 205–220

Boyd, M. R., Moneyham, L., Murdaugh, C., Phillips, K. D., Tavakoli, A., Jackwon, K., . . . Vyavaharkar, M. (2005). A peer-based substance abuse intervention for 

HIV+ rural women: A pilot study. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 19(1), 10–7. 

Ja, D. Y., Gee, M., Savolainen, J., Wu, S., & Forghani, S. (2009). Peers Reaching Out Supporting Peers to Embrace Recovery (PROPSPER): A final evaluation 

report. San Francisco, CA: DYJ, Inc., for Walden House, Inc., and the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services 

Administration.

Kamon, J., & Turner, W. (2013). Recovery coaching in recovery centers: What the initial data suggest: A brief report from the Vermont Recovery Network.

Montpelier, VT: Evidence-Based Solutions. 

Mangrum, L. (2008). Creating access to recovery through drug courts: Final evaluation report for the Texas Department of State Health Services. Austin, TX: 

University of Texas Addiction Research Institute. Retrieved from http://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.utexas.edu%

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Min, S. Y., Whitecraft, E., Rothbard, A. B., & Salzer, M. S. (2007). Peer support for persons with co-occurring disorders and community tenure: A survival 

analysis. Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal, 30(3), 207–213. doi: 10.2975/30.3.2007.207.213 

O’Connell, M. J., Flanagan, E. H., Delphin-Rittmon, M. E., & Davidson, L. (2017). Enhancing outcomes for persons with co-occurring disorders through skills 

training and peer recovery support. Journal of Mental Health, Epub ahead of print. Retrieved from http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09638237.2017.1294733

Rowe, M., Bellamy, C., Baranoski, M., Wieland, M., O’Connell, M. J., Benedict, P., . . . Sells, D. (2007). A peer-support, group intervention to reduce substance 

use and criminality among persons with severe mental illness. Psychiatric Services, 58(7), 955–961. 
	
   	
  

Value	
  of	
  Peers, 2017

Family, Parent and Caregiver Peer 

Support in Behavioral Health
	 	 	 	 	

	 	 	

	 	 	 	 	

	 	 	 	

	 	 	 	 	

	 	 	 	 	 	

	 	 	 	 	 	 	

	
   	
  

	
   	
  

Family, Parent and 

Caregiver Peer 

Support in 

Behavioral Health

“My family was	involved in a

variety of services	in our	

community. Once we began to

work	with a parent support

professional, we felt that we

had a person in our corner	who

worked just for us. It made a

huge	difference.”	

—David
	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
  	
  

What is Peer Support for Parents and 

Other Caregivers?

Parent	
  peer support, also commonly called family peer support	
  or family support	
  services,

offers hope, guidance, advocacy, and camaraderie for parents and caregivers of children

and youth receiving services from mental health, substance use, and related service

systems. Parent	
  support	
  providers deliver peer support	
  through facel tol face support	
  

groups, phone calls, or individual meeLngs. They bring experLse based on their own

experience parenLng children or youth with social, emoLonal, behavioral, or substance use

challenges, as well as specialized training, to support	
  other parents and caregivers.

Working within a	
  peer support	
  framework that	
  recognizes the power of mutuality and

experienLal understanding, parent	
  support	
  providers deliver educaLon, informaLon, and

peer support	
   (Obrochta et	
  al., 2011).
	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  	
  

What is	
  Peer Support for Parents and Other 

Caregivers 	
   	
   	
   ? cont.	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

Parents trying to idenLfy and access appropriate services for their child may find childserving systems (e.g., mental health, educaLon, juvenile jusLce, child welfare, substance

use treatment) complicated and overwhelming. Parent	
  peer support	
  can help these

parents navigate systems more effecLvely, learn from the experiences of other families,

feel less alone, and gain hope, ideas, and informaLon. This support	
  can help parents

meet	
   their children’s needs more efficiently, and with greater confidence and hope.

(Kutash et	
   al., 2011, Hoagwood et	
  al., 2009). 
	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  	
  

What Do Parent Support Providers	
  Do?	
  

Parent support providers	
  offer:	
  

emoLonal connecLon of people who have “been there”;	
  	
  
 

informaLonal and educaLonal support	
  on systems and strategies;	
  	
  
 

support	
  for parents as they develop posiLve approaches and methods for
 

addressing their family’s day-­‐to-­‐day needs, including their own needs for self-­‐care;
 

concrete support, such as help arranging child care or transportaLon; and
 

living proof of resilience and recovery.
 
	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

What Do Parent Support Providers	
  Do?	
  cont.	
  

Parent	
  support	
  providers are also known as parent	
  support	
  professionals, navigators,

mentors, family partners, parent	
  partners, and parent	
  support	
  specialists. Parent	
  support	
  

providers offer a	
  wide range of assistance and support, depending on the seOngs in which

they work and the needs of the families they serve.
What Do Parent Support Providers	
  Do?	
  cont.	
  

Common services	
  include:	
  

informaLon and referral;

individualized supports to help parents understand their children’s needs and
 

access natural supports;
 

support	
  groups;
 

parent	
  training and educaLon to increase knowledge and skills;
 	
  	
  

system navigaLon to assist	
  a family in finding or accessing resources;
 

intensive family support	
  during periods of crisis;
 

specialized supports for families experiencing challenges with systems such as
 

child welfare, juvenile courts, or schools; and
 

social acLviLes and events to bring families together, raise awareness, or offer
 

educaLonal opportuniLes.
 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	

	 	 	 	 	 	

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	

	 	 	 	 	 	

	 	 	 	 	 	 	

	 	 	 	 		

“I don’t know what I would have done without

our parent support provider. She understood

what I was	going through, and she didn’t judge

me. She was	available whenever	I needed her,

not just during business	hours. She helped my

family get back	on our feet.”

—Stacey
	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

What are	
  the	
  Benefits	
  of	
  Parent Support Services?	
  

Early research suggests that	
  parent	
  peer support	
  offers parents and other caregivers:

Increased	
  sense of

collaboraFon: Receiving skills

training and support	
  from

parent	
  support	
  providers

helps family members

collaborate effecLvely with

treatment	
  professionals.	
  	
   (Hogwood, et al., 2010)

Increased	
  sense of selfn

efficacy: Family support	
  

services increase family

members’ confidence in their

abiliLes to care for their child.

(Hoagwood et al., 2010; Obrochta et al., 2011)

Increased	
  empowerment	
  to

take acFon: Receiving

educaLon about	
  service

systems, navigaLon skills,

advocacy skills, and rights

helps empower families to

become acLve parLcipants in

their child’s services.

(Kutash, Duchnowski, Green, & Ferron, 2011)

RecogniFon of the

importance of self-­‐care:	
  

Parent	
  support	
  providers

help families increase their

awareness of the need for

self care.

	
  	
   (Obrochta et al., 2011) 

	
   	
   	
   	
  
	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

What are	
  the	
  Benefits	
  of	
  Parent Support Services?	
  cont.	
  

Early research suggests that	
  parent	
  peer support	
  offers parents and other caregivers:

Decreased family isolaFon: Parent	
  support	
  

providers assist	
  family members with

idenLfying and accessing community supports

that	
  help them feel less alone.

(Obrochta et al., 2011)

Decreased internalized blame: By providing	
  

educaLon and connecLons with others, parent	
  

support	
  services help family members reframe

their experiences and debunk damaging myths

about	
  behavioral health condiLons and

emoLonal distress.

(Obrochta et al., 2011)
	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
   	
  

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Hoagwood,	
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