peer support specialist
A mental health professional with lived experience of mental illness or substance use who provides support based on shared experience.
Full Definition
A peer support specialist is a trained behavioral health worker who has personal lived experience with mental health challenges or substance use and uses this experience to help others in their recovery journey. Peer support specialists must complete specific certification requirements and work under supervision while providing services like crisis support, recovery planning, and advocacy. Their unique role combines professional training with experiential knowledge, requiring special documentation considerations including certification maintenance, scope of practice limitations, and supervision requirements. The role represents a significant shift toward valuing lived experience as a professional qualification in behavioral health services.
Usage
Usage note: Certification requirements vary by state; distinguish from volunteers or informal peer support.
In Context
- "The peer support specialist facilitated the recovery support group using personal experience and professional training." — Program activity report
- "Peer support specialists require annual recertification and ongoing supervision documentation." — Human resources policy