A Peer Support Counselor serves as a friend and role model to the chronically mentally ill by providing opportunities for healthy social interactions, increased enjoyment of life, and a helping hand to people that want to understand themselves and their behavior better. Peer Support Counselors assist others to get their needs met with either direct support or advocacy. They make available educational materials to increase consumer knowledge about psychiatric medications, community resources, housing resources, entitlements, and other mental health services. The only qualifications necessary to be a Peer Support Counselor are to have a mental illness, have access to transportation, complete a training module, attend weekly supervision, and have a genuine interest in working with other consumers. The agenda for the weekly meetings is discussed and approved by members.
Members also brain storm how to make appropriate referrals and role play basic communication skills.
Copies of known resources are distributed. Week V Suggestions are taken from the group on the type of presenters they would like to have speak to the group. A date and suggestions for celebrating the completion of the training are discussed. Following the initial training, members meet with the facilitator weekly to discuss peer support done the previous week, receive new materials, listen to presenters, plan for improving the program, and to support one another.