The path to recovery can be long and winding. It often helps to have someone who has traveled the same road to point out bumps and twists along the way. Peer specialists provide this service for people recovering from mental illness or addiction.
A peer support specialist can help with the empathy and compassion that comes from experience. People with mental health challenges often feel isolated, but peer support makes the journey less lonely. And studies show that peer services support recovery and resiliency.
Peer Services include:
- One on one mentoring
- Crisis intervention
- Support groups
- Peer centers
- Many other supports
RACSB uses peer specialists in many programs, including:
- The Sunshine Lady House for Mental Health Wellness and Recovery
- Program for Assertive Community Treatment
- Crisis Assessment Center
- Kenmore Club
- Crisis Intervention Training
After walking down the path for a while, you might feel ready to help others navigate the twists and turns. Individuals who have been in recovery for six months or longer and who want to help others can receive training to become Peer Recovery Specialists. For details, drop by a Peer Recovery Support Network meeting, held at 10 a.m. on the first Wednesday of each month at Kenmore Club. You could also call Amy Jindra at Kenmore Club, 540-373-7737 or Tracy Ringquist at Recovery In Motion at 540-645-6042. Find more details about the process at dbhds.virginia.org.