Intermediate
Technical
IVT
peer specialist
Mental health worker with lived experience of mental illness providing support and advocacy services.
Full Definition
A certified mental health professional who has personal experience with mental illness and recovery, providing peer support, advocacy, and recovery-oriented services to patients. Peer specialists bring unique perspectives to treatment teams and often serve as bridges between clinical staff and patients. Editorial context requires understanding certification requirements, scope of practice limitations, and the distinction between peer support and clinical therapy in documentation and role descriptions.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from unlicensed peer support volunteers and licensed clinicians.
In Context
- "The peer specialist facilitated the recovery-focused support group on Tuesday afternoons." — Program schedule documentation
- "Peer specialist services were integrated into the multidisciplinary treatment planning process." — Service delivery documentation
Also known as
peer support specialist
certified peer counselor
Contrasted with
clinical therapist
medical provider
Don't confuse with
peer counselor
volunteer