What is Peer Support?

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA):

“Peer support encompasses a range of activities and interactions between people who share similar experiences of being diagnosed with mental health conditions, substance use disorders, or both. This mutuality—often called “peerness”—between a peer support worker and person in or seeking recovery promotes connection and inspires

hope. Peer support offers a level of acceptance, understanding, and validation not found in many other professional relationships (Mead & McNeil, 2006). By sharing their own lived experience and practical guidance, peer support workers help people to develop their own goals, create strategies for self-empowerment, and take concrete steps

towards building fulfilling, self-determined lives for themselves.”

 -SAMSHA, U.S.

Department of Health and Human Services