Peer Support Services

Peer support services connect individuals with lived experience of recovery to people currently navigating substance use, mental health challenges, or co-occurring conditions. These services are rooted in mutuality, respect, and shared understanding rather than clinical authority. Below are expanded elements, roles, and best practices for effective peer support programs.

Core Roles and Activities

• One-on-one peer mentoring: Regular, structured meetings where a peer support specialist (PSS) shares lived experience, models recovery skills, and provides emotional support, practical problem-solving, and encouragement.

• Group support facilitation: Peer-led recovery groups, process groups, and specialty groups (e.g., relapse prevention, family support, early recovery) that create safe spaces for sharing, skill-building, and community.

• Recovery coaching: Short- to medium-term, goal-focused coaching that helps individuals set and meet recovery-related objectives (housing, employment, education, health care engagement) using motivational interviewing techniques adapted for peers.

• System navigation and advocacy: Assistance with accessing treatment, benefits, housing, employment resources, and accompaniment to appointments; advocacy with providers or systems to ensure respectful, recovery-oriented care.