The cost effectiveness of the simplicity of friendship in the Compeer model has been the subject for presentations at regional and national conferences in the US and Canada. Volunteers are asked to make a commitment of one hour a week for at least a year. This is flexible, while many volunteers choose to spend more time each week. If the volunteer is ill or out of town they may choose to substitute their hour with two phone calls or a postcard by mail. Volunteers receive five hours of training from the Compeer staff and other local mental health providers.
Therapists refer their own clients into the program.
The volunteer meets the referring therapist. Volunteers send in monthly reports which keep track of their weekly and monthly hours. This monthly report also gives the volunteer an opportunity to make suggestions, report concerns, etc. A copy of this report is sent back to the therapist. Volunteers also receive ongoing support from the Compeer staff.