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Peer Specialists in Mental Health & Substance Use Fields

Peer support specialist comforting a client in treatment.

The field of mental health and substance use has been experiencing a recent increase in the inclusion of Peer Specialists -- those who can offer support to individuals in treatment. The welcoming of Peers is no surprise due to the benefits they can offer to those currently experiencing a mental health crisis and substance use disorder.  A Peer can navigate the individual’s journey through their own lived experience, knowledge of resources, programs and service linkages. 

What is a Peer Specialist?  

A Peer Specialist utilizes their lived experience of recovery in mental health and/or substance use to provide non-clinical support services to those experiencing mental health or substance use needs.  Peers utilize holistic, non-judgmental, motivational, and strength-based practices to support individuals they serve in their journey to treatment and recovery.  The goal is to enhance overall well-being, increase acceptance of support available, engage family and friends, and linkages to services to achieve stabilization and recovery. Having Peer Specialists in the Mental Health and Substance Use professional field offers engagement with individuals, and this can reduce relapse, decrease feelings of stigma, share stories of experience, strength and hope, and improve their overall quality of life.  

How is a Peer Specialist trained? 

Peers Specialists can obtain their certification through their lived and worked experience and training, as a Mental Health or Substance Use Specialist.  There are two credentialing options, (1) Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) from the Certification Board of NJ and (2) the National Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (NCPRSS) from the National Certification for Addiction Professionals. 

As a professional community, we are encouraging conversations around Peer Specialists and their role in advocacy, more accessible routes to certifications, and more awareness of opportunities to join the mental health and substance use field. 

Who benefits from having a Peer Specialist? 

Peers can be useful to a wide range of people. From new moms in need of childcare advice to young adults working through substance abuse, Peers can work with individuals to help them better understand their situation and the paths available to them.  

Acenda offers many programs that incorporate Peer specialists into their offerings, including: 

  • Peer Support Services (Connected with Psychiatric Emergency Screening Services) 

If you are interested in more information, please call Acenda Integrated Health at (844) 422-3632 to learn more about our services.  

A Few Words from our Acenda Integrated Health Peer Team 

“Being able to tell my story helps, and by being a peer, you can tell your story based on your comfort. You can respond by sharing your experience, so clients feel more comfortable opening up.  Being able to open-up about medications and diagnosis supports clients in feeling relatable and less alone in what they are going through.” 

“Experience is sometimes better than education.” 

A peer specialist supports and comforts a client.

“I love being able to interact with clients, make them smile, and make them feel less alone and build a connection.” 

"I like my role in assisting many people who are on the path to recovery.  The impact is great, and they are thankful and relieved for such a program.” 

“There are no small steps to recovery.” 

“What I enjoy most about being a peer are the connections and relationships I get to build with clients. Too many times I feel with Mental Health and Substance Abuse the diagnosis is heavily focused on.  I get the daily pleasure of getting to know clients aside from their diagnosis and on a deeper level. I get to know who they are as a person and a lot of their experiences.  Being a peer, I feel it is beneficial in my work because I try to instill in everyone I meet to not be defeated. Your diagnosis does not make up all that you are, and recovery is possible.” 

Three Cheers for Acenda Integrated Health Peers! 

Peer specialists and their clients have a group session.

“Every day I am amazed by the unwavering dedication of Acenda’s Peer Recovery Services Staff. They demonstrate a true passion and commitment for the clients they serve, walking with them on their Recovery journey. I am grateful and proud to have them on our team!said Amy Villano, senior director of NJ Recovery Services.

Check out one of our programs to learn more about how a Peer Specialist can help you

Click the button below or call Acenda at 844-422-3632 to learn more about Peer Specialists and what they can do for you!

About the Authors

Amy Villano is the senior director at NJ Recovery Services and Christina Jackey is the senior director of Acute Care Services. Both women are passionate about Peer Specialists and the impact they can have on an individual's healthcare experiences.