Peer Specialists

  This page will grow over time as I learn about this newly mandated position in the Pennsylvania Mental Health System.  I hope to be able to include lots of resources, not only to help those who are Certified Peer Specialists, but also that will encourage Professionals and Consumers to be open to what these Peer Specialists have to offer.  I have a friend who is applying to become a Certified Peer Specialist for my county, and I hope that I can learn more from this person as her training progresses.   For now, my understanding of what a Peer Specialist does is they encourage Consumers to be proactive in their treatment, and to learn ways to improve themselves and their ability to manage their Mental Illness, and the care they receive.  The Recovery Model is a huge aspect of what a Peer Specialist promotes not only through example, but through educating other Consumers on how to succeed in taking control of their own lives instead of having others control their lives for them.

• Institute for Recovery & Community Integration
• National Association of Peer Specialists
• Peer Specialist Alliance of America
• Recovery Support - This is a Blog by a Peer Specialist designed as a sort of “toolbox” for other Peer Specialists, the blogger started the blog out of frustration in looking for resources to aid in performing their job as a Peer Specialist.  There are LOTS of topics covered and it isn’t hard to get lost in this person’s blog for hours.
• The Peer Empowerment Blog
• The Peer Specialist Today (Blog)