FAQs

 Peer Specialists are people who have been successful in the recovery process and assist others experiencing similar situations. Through shared understanding, respect, and mutual empowerment, peer specialists assist people to stay engaged in the recovery process and reduce the likelihood of relapse in any form or fashion. Peer support services can effectively extend the reach of treatment beyond the clinical setting into the everyday environment of those seeking a successful, sustained recovery process.

Peer Specialist strives to empower individuals to achieve their hopes, dreams, and

goals, and connect them with their personal recovery journey. A Peer Specialist is a

person who has walked the path of recovery from mental illness and is employed to

assist others in their recovery journey. Peer providers in California provide individualized support, coaching, facilitation, and education to clients with mental health care needs and substance use disorders in a variety of settings. A substantial number of research studies demonstrate that peer support improves client functioning, increases client satisfaction, reduces the family burden, alleviates depression and other symptoms, reduces homelessness, reduces hospitalizations and hospital days, increases client activation, and enhances client self-advocacy. Defines “peer support specialist services” as culturally competent services that promote engagement, socialization, recovery, self-sufficiency, self-advocacy, development of natural supports, identification of strengths, and maintenance of skills learned in other support services. The services include support, coaching, facilitation, or education to Medi-Cal beneficiaries.

Peer support workers engage in a wide range of activities:

● Advocating for people in recovery

● Sharing resources and building skills

● Building community and relationships

● Leading recovery groups

● Mentoring and setting goals

Peer support roles may also extend to the following:

● Providing services and/or training

● Supervising other peer workers

● Developing resources

● Administering programs or agencies

● Educating the public and policymakers

Peer support workers may need to develop additional core competencies to provide.

services to specific groups who also share common experiences, such as family.

members. The shared experience of being in recovery from a mental health and/or

substance use condition or being a family member is the foundation on which the peer.

recovery support relationship is built in the behavioral health arena.