Peer Support

Services offered by mental health consumers, persons with addictions or others to provide support to one another are collectively referred to as peer support. Peer support services can include drop-in centers, warm lines, peer respite care, or support groups and are often a part of rehabilitation and recovery programs.

Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPS) - A mental health/developmental disability/substance abuse services consumer who has been specially trained to assist others with the recovery process. This individual provides peer support services; serves as a consumer advocate; and performs a wide range of tasks.

These tasks include:

• Assisting the consumer with articulating personal goals for recovery
• Determining the objectives the consumer needs to take in order to reach his/her recovery goals
• Determining "problems"
• Working with the consumer to identify recovery goal
• Creating a Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP)
• Helping the consumer identify negative self-talk
• Offering help to the consumer in identifying and overcoming his/her fears
  

Link to Peer Support Specialist Employment Training Article