You have probably heard of behavioral health professionals such as psychologists, therapists, professional counselors, clinical social workers, and others. But, have you ever heard of a behavioral health peer specialist?
Peer Specialists are people who have been in treatment for mental health issues, gotten better, and want to give back to the community. They are carefully selected and trained to help others in the recovery process at a behavioral health treatment center or clinic. In 2008, North Range Behavioral Health saw the benefit of Peer Specialists and added them to the staff of its adult recovery programs. Peer specialists are considered to be staff, provided with training, and are certified to provide services.
Recent research shows that peer specialists provide significant help in achieving positive outcomes for consumers. Peer specialists reduce the overall cost of care because they are paid less than their licensed colleagues. Additionally, in the course of providing care, peer specialists are provided with important opportunities to use their experiences to help others and to develop skills which, in turn, strengthen their own recovery processes.
Peer specialists have experienced mental health challenges, including history, diagnosis, substance use, and other symptoms that are similar to those of people who are in treatment programs. Because of this, peer specialists have a unique point of view and possess the type of understanding that only comes from being a peer. Peer specialists do not provide therapy, but they have been trained to listen empathetically and to respond in ways that support the treatment goals of their peers.
The peer specialist’s role in the professional community is to help therapists and case managers by monitoring consumers’ progress, stability, and changes in behavior. They are especially alert to negative or self-destructive behaviors and immediately report these to the professional therapists. At North Range Behavioral Health, peer specialists are supervised by and responsible to the director of the adult recovery program.
Peer specialists’ involvement in providing recovery services is a natural and proper development in the better treatment of persons who have a mental illness.
Davis Popkins has been a consumer at NRBH since 2003 and working as a peer specialist since 2008. Davis has also served on North Range Behavioral Health’s Board of Directors since June 2007.
This article was written by Davis Popkins, Peer Specialist & Board Member, NRBH. It was previously published in the Greeley Tribune.