NEW BOOK: There are more than 30,000 Peer Support Specialists now working in the US, with many more in Canada, Europe and around the world. Including Peer Support Specialists in healthcare and social service settings is one of the most exciting developments in healthcare. Peers bring their personal experience with illness, treatment and recovery to the healthcare settings, changing both the culture of care and the resources clients have available to them. Many of the key challenges facing healthcare today can be addressed by the adding the work and presence of Peer Support Specialists, but only if they are well-trained and strategically utilized.  The third edition of this pocket resource is designed to help Peer Support Specialists working with adults in mental health and/or substance use treatment settings to successfully navigate clinical services. New chapters have been added to build skills in peer counseling, outreach, group leadership, healthcare navigation, community integration, and crisis intervention. This pocket resource is designed for peers to keep with them and use as they provide support to their clients.

 “Great resource!!! I’ve been a peer specialist for over a year and had I ordered this sooner, I think I would’ve been more efficient in my role.  I would definitely recommend to all peer counselors.”

-Marquez Ohana

 “This gem of a book is chock-full of hard-won wisdom.  It will be very helpful for peers (and also for those who are beginning to work in the mental health field.)”

-Dr. Francis Frankenburg, Author of Brain-Robbers: How Alcohol, Cocaine, Nicotine, and Opiates Have Changed Human History

 “Charles Drebing presents an excellent guide for peer-to-peer specialists, to keep at their desk or in their pocket.  Written in clear language, this is an excellent resource for all peer-to-peer support specialists or peer recovery coaches to use.”

-Melssa Killeen, Author of Recovery Coaching – A Guide to Coaching People in Recovery from Addictions