Peer Support Specialists can play a key role in helping clients truly recover, but only if those Peers know how to do their work effectively. This book is designed to provide new Peer Support Specialists with the core information needed to provide quality peer support services and to navigate complex healthcare settings successfully. It is designed specifically for Peers who are working in mental health and/or substance use treatment settings. It is broad enough to serve as a reference tool for you as you work in this field and have questions about specific topics or services.

Most clinicians and clinical program managers have limited education and knowledge about the special role that Peer Support Specialists can play. This book is also designed to help you speak to them about your role and to advocate for the ways you can contribute to the team. It is intended to cover a wide range of background topics you will be expected to know both for certification and for working successfully in this field. It is ideal for people studying to become Peers and those who need a more complete background to work successfully.

Part I (chapters 1–4) focuses on the basics of the Peer role and what it contributes to healthcare.

Part II (chapters 5–14) focuses on core duties or services that you want to be able to provide to your clients.

Part III (chapters 15–28) addresses a range of practical issues that you need to understand in order to be effective, such as documentation and collaboration with clinicians.

The appendices provide important information and resources that you may need at times to work safely and successfully.