National Coalition for Mental Health Recovery | NCMHR

Peer Support

Peers Working in Traditional Systems

Peer Support

Peer Support has been a vital aspect of recovery for many of us

Peer Support: Why it Works

Peer Specialists are persons with mental health conditions who have completed specific training that enables them to enhance a person’s wellness and recovery by providing peer support.

To access research on the evidence base for peer support and recovery-oriented approaches to distress and crisis, click here (PDF, 208KB, 13 pages).

Peer Support Research Center

At the Peer Support Research Center (PSRC), we conduct research on all aspects of mental health peer support. The main focus of the PSRC is on the organization, financing, and delivery of peer support. We focus on doing research that promotes person-driven and recovery-oriented policy - at the local, state, and national levels. The mission of the PSRC is conduct responsible, socially-conscious, and participatory research on peer support that helps shape policy and practice. Click here to visit the Peer support Research Center's website.

Pillars of Peer Support: Transforming Systems of Care through Peer Support Services

The Pillars of Peer Support Services Summit
The Carter Center, Atlanta, GA, November 17-18, 2009

View or download Pillars of Peer Support (PDF, 846KB, 48 pages)

CMS letter to State Medicaid Directors (8/15/2007)

View or download (PDF, 124 kb, 3 pages)

Hearing Voices Support

A discussion forum for voice hearers with links to forums for people who support people who hear voices - http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/voice-hearers

Mary Ellen Copeland's website

Her work is based on the values of hope, self-determination, personal empowerment, and responsibility; focusing on strengths rather than deficits, education, simple and safe non-invasive responses, and the use of natural systems of support - www.mentalhealthrecovery.com

MIND Bookstore

For self-help and recovery books - www.mind.org.uk/osb/showitem.cfm/Category/24

Peer Support and Advocacy

The National Mental Health Consumers' Self-Help Clearinghouse - www.mhselfhelp.org

Peer Support in Disaster Planning

A Position Paper and Recommendations from the National Center for Disabilities.

Peer Support: Disaster Preparation for People with Psychiatric Disabilities

Video Presentation - SAMHSA, Center of Mental Health Services, Self Direction in Mental Health Broadcast Series

Safe Harbor Mental Health Alternatives

Resources on complimentary holistic self-care options - www.alternativementalhealth.com

Shery Mead's website

Peer support and peer run crisis alternatives in mental health - www.mentalhealthpeers.com

Peers Working in Traditional Systems

Growing Evidence Points to Peers Directly Affecting Client Outcomes - Mental Health Weekly February 15, 2010