Description of peer support model: Peer Delivered Services is a growing model in the fields of mental health, substance abuse treatment and corrections. It is strongly supported by the Oregon Addictions and Mental Health Services Division. In Clackamas County, the Peer Delivered Services Steering Committee is working to integrate it into county services.
The Oregon Addictions and Mental Health Services Division (AMH) defines Peer Delivered Services as “an array of agency or community-based services and supports provided by peers, and peer support specialists, to individuals or family members with similar lived experience, that are designed to support the needs of individuals and families as applicable.”
Empowerment Initiatives believes that that elimination and/or successful management of mental health symptoms is only the first step in mental health recovery. We see true recovery as a result of creating a productive, integrated life where mental health challenges are only one part of a person’s identity. Peer delivered services are designed to support and assist people in achieving a healthy lifestyle. As such they are not clinical treatment, but can be supportive of treatment and help reduce crises and achieve better outcomes, kept appointments and medication compliance (or reduced need for medication.)
Peer Support Specialists are non-professional peers who have experienced mental illness, have significantly recovered, and can identify with and have credibility with customers experiencing symptoms or extreme states. Because they can dedicate time, effort and understanding to meeting people “where they are at”, they can help them engage and continue services. This might include advocating for services, reminding them of and accompanying them to appointments, help with practical tasks (such as furnishing an apartment, grocery shopping, opening bank accounts, using public transportation, etc.).
The Peer Support Specialist, working with a customer and his/her case manager may develop an individual wellness plan which includes steps towards housing, employment and mental health stability. EI uses person-directed planning to help clients create concrete pictures of what they want their lives to be like, and then help them identify manageable action steps to move in that direction. We help them take these steps by connecting them with resources in the community like community college classes, Worksource programs, Vocational Rehabilitation, and Community Solutions. We also connect customers with Benefits Planners to help them understand how their benefits work and to dispel the idea that one will lose their benefits if they are employed. Also, simply through their presence, Peer Support Specialists model successful employment in spite of mental health challenges. We continually remind the residents and their support teams that recovery and self-sufficiency are possible for all of us.
Peer Support Specialists hold a unique role in the recovery process. They are not directly part of the case management or treatment/therapy, but supportive of treatment in helping the customer in recovery. They are not clinicians, but facilitators, advocate, support system, networking and resource guide. Their work and relationship with the client is not limited to the clinic or to set appointments. They may assist customers in making and keeping appointments.
Peer Support Specialists are available to help customers process their feelings, cope with anxiety as well as identify problems and create safe resolutions. When customers are struggling with coping and managing symptoms, Peer Support Specialists are there to offer support, sometimes by giving examples from their own experiences with challenging symptoms, and to help residents identify resources and strategies for coping with, reducing, or eliminating symptoms. They are also in the clinic to promote a supportive and inclusive environment. Because Peer Support Specialists establish close, supportive relationships with clients, they can sometimes identify early when clients are struggling with increased symptoms and may be headed for crisis and help them to either control the situation or to seek clinical assistance.