Peer Support Services

Peer support services connect people with lived experience of recovery to those currently navigating substance use, mental health challenges, or co-occurring conditions. These services are grounded 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 in which 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 (for example, relapse prevention, family support, or early recovery) that create safe spaces for sharing, skill-building, and community connection.

• Recovery coaching: Short- to medium-term, goal-focused coaching that helps individuals set and achieve recovery-related objectives—such as securing housing, employment, education, or health care engagement—using motivational interviewing techniques adapted for peers.

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