Who are peer providers?
SAMHSA (the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration) defines a peer provider as “a person who uses his or her lived experience of recovery from mental illness and/or addiction, plus skills learned in formal training, to deliver services in behavioral health settings to promote mind-body recovery and resiliency.”
Other common titles for peer providers include: certified peer specialist, peer support specialist, and recovery coach. The SAMHSA-HRSA (Health Resources and Services Administration) Center for Integrated Health Solutions’ website offers a wealth of information about peer providers, the benefits they bring to integrated healthcare and workplaces, and links to a variety of resources.
Additional peer support resources/articles:
> Peer supports play key role in meeting community’s behavioral health needs
> Meet one of NRVCS’ peer providers
> Peer Providers: SAMHSA-HRSA Center for Integrated Health Solutions
> Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services’ Office of Recovery Services
> GAP launches new “warm line” (posted 4/10/15)