Youth peer support
Everyone wants to be seen and heard when they are struggling. Often that means by someone who just “gets it.
A peer is someone we identify with -- whether that is because of gender, race, culture, age, etc. Peers are important for teens since they often turn to their peers for support before anyone else. Peer support can be especially helpful for youth from historically excluded communities. They may face challenges that others cannot relate to because they have not experienced them. But peers can fill that gap.
When it comes to mental health, peer support gives youth the chance to feel understood by someone who also lives with a mental health condition or substance use disorder. Peer support improves the well-being of the person providing support as well, since they are able to use their challenges to help others.
Peer support can happen in many different ways. Here are some examples of the three levels of youth peer support:
Level 1: Universal
Train all young people to support their peers.
- General-skills support programs educate young people about how to provide emotional support their friends. One example of this is: A.S.K. from Active Minds.
- Mandatory mental health curricula in schools ensure all young people have the opportunity to learn about mental health. One example of this is: YAM - Youth Aware of Mental Health.
Level 2: Secondary
Offer peer support programs where young people spend their time.
- Call lines led by peers offer free, anonymous, and confidential peer support to youth over the phone. Some examples are: YouthLine or Teen Line.
- Text lines led by peers provide anonymous support to youth via text message. Some examples are: MHA’s Peer Bridger Project, Lean on Me, and The Trill Project.
- Support apps leverage technology to help youth who are seeking mental health support. Some examples of these apps are: AbleTo, Calm Harm, or MindShift.
- Interest-based peer support allows youth to connect with others over a shared interest. This can occur during clubs, sports, or other extracurricular activities. One example of this is: Own Your Roar.
- Peer wellness programs let young people teach each other about mental health. One example of this is: Mind Body Ambassadors.
- School-based mental health organizations create safe spaces for youth. They can teach self-care skills and advocate for policy change. Some examples are: Project Lets or The Support Network.
Level 3: Tertiary
Embed youth peers into systems.
- Drop-in centers or community centers offer time to connect with other young people and access resources. One example of this is: Oasis Mental Health.
- The foster care system or the juvenile justice system can be difficult to navigate. Peer specialists can help youth better understand these systems and build community. One example of this is: Credible Messenger Model.
- Clinical mental health care can include a peer support specialist on the care team. Peers may support youth in the emergency room, in-patient settings, or during a mobile crisis response. One example of this is: allcove.
Additional youth peer support resources
Here are some resources you can use to learn more about youth peer support:
Youth and young adult peer support: Expanding community-driven mental health resources
Peer support: Research and reports
How to become a peer support specialist
Webinar: Developing a sustainable youth-led peer support program
Blog: A peer organization spotlight: Listen to students with psychosis
Blog: How colleges can learn from the peer support movement
Blog: Growing up in recovery: 3 peer programs that fill support gaps for young people
Take a Mental Health Test
If you or a friend are struggling with your mental health, take an anonymous, free, and private mental health test. It only takes a few minutes, and after you are finished you will be given information about the next steps you can take based on the results.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. You can also reach Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.