Peer support specialists are people with lived experience who have been through situations similar to those they support.
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What Do Peer Support Specialists Do?
These skills serve as a guide to people providing peer support services to others.
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The five competencies exist to ensure peer support work is:
Who Do Peer Support Specialists Help?
Peer work is becoming a more established part of mental health and substance use services.
People who receive support from peer workers report feeling understood, trusted, and respected.
Challenges identified by peer support workers include:
Many peer support specialists experience satisfaction in their work.
Research shows peer support workers experience increased self-esteem, self-awareness, personal growth, and skills development.
Additionally, there is satisfaction in knowing they are helpful to others through sharing their journey.
Becoming a Peer Support Specialist
The requirements to become a peer support specialist may vary by state.
However, it typically includes learning and practicing the competencies and software of skills.
There are also national certification programs.
you could find more information on becoming a peer support specialist through Mental Health America.
They receive training that allows them to provide assistance focused on others' recovery needs.
These services can improve quality of life, as well as reduce symptoms and the chance ofrelapse.
A Word From Verywell
Peer support workers can be an invaluable part of the recovery process.
Using your own experience to help others on their path to healing can be gratifying and empowering work.
Receiving support from others with shared experiences can remind you that you are not alone.
It can also help you feel more confident and consistent as you seek to change your life.
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