Peer Supports

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peer-supports-meeting-2-23-16
Members of the NRVCS Peer Support Workgroup discuss potential opportunities for individuals with lived experience, along with other ways to further develop the agency’s peer support program.

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)