About Peer Support Services
Often, the best help comes from people who have shared the same experiences. A Peer Support Specialist is a person who has experienced a mental illness during his or her lifetime and wants to help others live in recovery. Peer provided and peer run services have a positive effect for people who use services and the workplace. By receiving peer support services, a person may be inspired to share his or her personal story. This starts a growing network of peers who, working together, help each other and support recovery. Peer Support Services are offered in many of the adult programs at CMH. Talk to your case manager if you think you may benefit from Peer Support Services.
What is a Peer Support Specialist?
A Peer Support Specialist lives in recovery from mental illness and works to help other people with similar struggles. These staff share their own recovery stories to help spread the news that a person is not defined by their illness. All Peer Support Specialists working at CMH are state certified and complete ongoing trainings to improve their peer support skills.
What Does a Peer Support Specialist Do?
- Helps you state your recovery goals
- Helps you monitor your own recovery
- Models effective coping skills and self-help strategies
- Advocates for you and help you find resources and services
- Facilitates Person Centered Planning (PCP) meetings