The Peer Support Specialist Pocket Resource for Mental Health and Substance Use Services

There are more than 30,000 Peer Support Specialists now working in the US, with many more in Canada, Europe and around the world. Including Peer Support Specialists in healthcare and social service settings is one of the most exciting developments in healthcare. Peers bring their personal experience with illness, treatment and recovery to the healthcare settings, changing both the culture of care and the resources clients have available to them. Many of the key challenges facing healthcare today can be addressed by the adding the work and presence of Peer Support Specialists, but only if they are well-trained and strategically utilized. The third edition of this pocket resource is designed to help Peer Support Specialists working with adults in mental health and/or substance use treatment settings to successfully navigate clinical services. New chapters have been added to build skills in peer counseling, outreach, group leadership, healthcare navigation, community integration, and crisis intervention. This pocket resource is designed for peers to keep with them and use as they provide support to their clients.