Peer Support Services from Stepping Stone Community Services

What are peer support specialists?

Peer support specialists bring hope by sharing their experiences and promoting a sense of belonging.Peer support has existed in the behavioral health field for decades; however, its rapid growth in recent years in due to the increasing evidence supporting its effectiveness. Peer support specialist use their experience to:

• Establish positive rapport.

• Serve as a pro-social model.

• Offer insight to the individual’s care team.

• Provide support focused on advocacy, coaching, and mentoring.

Peer support is effective, and can:

• Improve quality of life.

• Improve whole health, including conditions like diabetes.

• Improve engagement and satisfaction with services and supports.

• Decrease hospitalizations and inpatient stays.

• Reduce health care costs.