Peer Support Specialist

What is a Peer Support Specialist?

A Peer Support Specialist is a trained professional with lived experience who provides hope, guidance, and support to individuals navigating mental health and substance use challenges. They use their personal journey to connect with others, build trust, promote recovery, and help people access the resources and services they need to thrive.

Research shows that peer support:

  • Is linked to better outcomes in recovery — including increased self-esteem, hope, empowerment, and improved quality of life. 
  • Can reduce rehospitalization and days spent in inpatient care, while increasing engagement with outpatient and community services.
  • Helps improve mental health for many people — for example, reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety, and improving coping, social support, and overall wellbeing

Because Peer Support Specialists combine lived experience with training, they are uniquely positioned to connect with individuals, build trust, reduce stigma, and guide people toward recovery and support services.