Understanding peer support for mental health

What is a peer?

Put simply, a peer is a person we identify with in some capacity. This connection might be based on shared experiences, age, gender, cultural background, sexual orientation, or other aspects of identity.

In behavioral health, a peer typically refers to someone who has personal experience living with a mental health diagnosis and/or substance use disorder. 

While shared mental health or substance use experience is important, there are often other factors that help shape someone’s sense of “peerness” in mental health. For example, veterans may want support from other veterans, new mothers may want support from other mothers, or others may want support from those with shared health conditions like diabetes.

 

What is peer support?

In peer support, “people who share common experiences or face similar challenges come together as equals to give and receive help based on the knowledge that comes through shared experience.”

In other words, when we face something difficult, we often turn to people who have been there before. Peer support creates spaces for individuals to feel less alone and learn from others who have faced similar challenges.

What makes peer support unique?

Peer support is grounded in mutuality, which includes sharing personal experiences. It is distinct from clinical mental health services like therapy and focuses on individual empowerment through demonstrating hope, focusing on strengths, centering choice, providing education, and offering knowledge and resources.

The core principles that ground peer support work ensure that resources are:

  • Recovery-oriented
  • Person-centered
  • Voluntary
  • Relationship-focused
  • Trauma-informed

What types of peer support exist?

Peer support is an impactful, evidence-based, and growing field that transforms lives and systems.

Peer support settings:

Peer support roles and functions:

  • Offer emotional support rooted in shared lived experience
  • Share hope by disclosing their personal experiences and recovery journey
  • Facilitate support groups
  • Advocate for people navigating mental health systems
  • Support people with the tools to advocate for themselves, including their needs and rights
  • Connect people to resources, needed services, and community
  • Share self-help tools and education
  • Support people to set and achieve goals

In addition to providing direct support, peer supporters and specialists may work as peer support supervisors, policy advocates, community organizers, organizational leaders, trainers, and researchers. Peer supporters may be employed by insurance companies, tech startups, and state and federal governments, among others.

Terms that can be used to describe peer support

People often mean different things when they use the word “peer,” and peers can contribute to mental health and recovery in various roles and settings:

  • Peer support specialist
  • Peer advocate
  • Peer recovery specialist
  • Peer support worker
  • Peer mentor
  • Peer provider
  • Peer bridger
  • Peer wellness coach

The evolution of peer support

History

The mental health peer support movement in the U.S. traces back to the self-help movement of the 1970s. During a time of intense focus on civil rights and social change, people who had survived the abuses of psychiatric hospitals came together to support each other, work toward healing, create their own resources, and advocate for change.

They understood there was more to recovery than “symptom management” and that individuals who had been hospitalized were capable of supporting one another and living meaningful lives in the community.

Present

Thanks to the leadership of peers and the growing evidence around the practice over the past decades, the workforce in the U.S. has grown to over 100,000 certified peer specialists. Peer support certification is available in 49 states and the District of Columbia with Medicaid funding in 47 states and the District of Columbia.

From the criminal justice system to housing services to warmlines, peers model recovery and contribute to the lives of others.

Future

Peer support continues to expand into new settings, including private insurance, emergency departments, primary care, and tech. As more people learn about peers and the importance of recovery-oriented systems, peers will play a central role in supporting people living with mental health conditions. Peer support changes lives and has the potential to redefine what thriving looks like for each individual. Whether giving or receiving support, these connections foster hope, empower individuals, and demonstrate that recovery is possible.

Finding peer support

If you’re interested in connecting with peer support services, there are many options available depending on your location, preferences, and specific needs. While peer support programs are primarily local, here are some general pathways to help you find support in your community:

In-person support

Support groups: These gatherings facilitated by peers are one of the most popular forms of peer support. To find them:

  • Search online for “[your city/county] + peer support groups + [specific condition/identity/experience]”
  • Inquire about support groups offered by peer and family support organizations and recovery community organizations in your area
  • Connect with other nonprofits and chapter-based organizations that may offer peer support groups, including:
    • Mental Health America Affiliate Network
    • National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
    • Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance

Other places to look for peer support programs: These are settings that may employ peer specialists or offer peer support services. Search online for:

  • Community mental health centers
  • Recovery community organizations
  • Healthcare providers and primary care settings
  • Clubhouses
  • Crisis respite centers and drop-in centers
  • Population-specific settings (LGBTQ+ centers, Tribal health services, senior centers and aging services)

Virtual and remote support

National warmlines: These are peer-operated listening lines providing emotional support. You can check out a list of warmlines here.

Online communities: Peers can connect around shared experiences in digital spaces like forums, apps, and social media. To find them:

  • Search online for “virtual peer support + [specific condition/identity/experience]“
  • Search in the app store for “peer support” or “mental health community”
  • Look for digital spaces that clearly identify their peer supporters, community guidelines, and moderation practices. Read reviews to get the full picture!

Population-specific peer support

Youth and young adult peer support: These settings may have peer support programs, incorporate peer support components, or offer referrals to other peer services for young people.

  • School counseling offices
  • College wellness centers, counseling centers, and student clubs
  • Youth organizations

Veterans peer support: There is a large network of services specifically for military veterans. To find them:

  • Contact your local VA Medical Center and ask about peer support specialists
  • Search for veteran-specific recovery community organizations
  • Learn more about peer support services offered by the VA

Family peer support:

  • Search online for “family peer advocate” or “family peer support” in your area
  • Explore resources from the National Federation of Families
  • Ask primary care/treatment providers about family support resources