Oral

Peer-delivered services play a central role in recovery-oriented public mental health systems. This session offers an overview of the potential benefits associated with peer-delivered services and a description of efforts that promote these services within mental health systems around the country. Research describing three innovative peer-delivered service initiatives will then be presented. The first study describes findings from a peer support program that promotes wellness. This intervention responds to concerns about the physical health of consumers and high mortality rates. The second study reports on results from a randomized, controlled trial of Internet peer support. Internet peer support is widely used by many individuals with chronic diseases, including persons in recovery from mental illnesses, to share information, provide hope and role modeling, and other forms of support. It is relatively easily accessible 24-hours a day, 7 days a week. The third study describes new findings about certified peer specialist (CPS) training outcomes and activities around the country. CPS-delivered services are now eligible for Medicaid reimbursement in seven states. Many more are interested in adding them to their behavioral healthcare workforce. The panel will then discuss these findings with the audience with the hopes of inspiring new research, practices, and policies in this area.

Session Objectives: 1) Describe the role of peer-delivered services in public mental health policies and practice 2) Evaluate findings from studies of innovative peer-delivered service initiatives 3) Discuss future role of peer-delivered services within recovery-oriented systems

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH)