Beyond Recovery

The Indispensable Role of Peer Support in the Journey to Wellbeing

Helping Patients Achieve Their Best Possible Health

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Symptom remission is only the beginning:

Safe, independent housing Gainful employment Meaningful social interaction Good nutrition Physical health and activity Emotional and spiritual wellbeing Self-monitoring and personal responsibility

Hope, empowerment, healing, connection

On any given day

Coach

Mentor

Guide

Educator

Health promoter

Connector to resources

Advocate

Health system navigator

First call for help

Recovery planner

Clinical team adjunct

Role model for what’s possible

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Extending the Limits of Clinical Care

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Guide, mentor, coach

Advocate, resource connector, educator

Clinical team adjunct

Health promoter

Role model

Peer RolesPeer Roles Dimensions of WellbeingDimensions of Wellbeing

Wellbeing

Emotional

Environmental Financial

Intellectual Social

Physical Spiritual

Occupational

ValueOptions’ Advanced Commitment to Peer

Support

We Have 4 Models Actively Deployed

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1. Peer and Family Support: Peers work as an adjunct to clinical services

Provide a wide range of guide, advocate, connector services

2. Peer Warm Lines: Provide direct communication link and emotional support for patients,

families Make referrals to providers and community services

3. Prevention, Education, and Outreach: Community meetings, trainings, events, educational forums

4. Peer-Run Programs: Support and capacity building for other community advocacy and peer

services

The Range and Depth of our Experience

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Examples of the 400,000 members touched by peerslast year alone:

Connecticut, Illinois, Colorado: Operate “warm lines” for crisis, referral, and resource sharing

Tennessee: Work with patients while inpatient or in crisis; peers as an adjunct to clinical staff

Colorado: Reversed trend of 65% going to inpatient care; now 90% in community care

Florida: Educational forums, “ADHD: Your Child And You” and “Understanding Anti-depressant Treatment”

Texas, Maryland: Family support groups, special events sponsor, direct patients to community resources

Massachusetts: “Family Partners” gives 1:1 support to parents and caregivers

And many more…

What We Know About Results

Significant Evidence That Peers Have Beneficial Impact

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Satisfaction:

Almost universal satisfaction and appreciation by patients and families

Outcomes:

Decrease in symptoms

Increased coping skills and awareness of early warning signs

Fewer hospitalizations, shorter lengths of stay

Improved social functioning

Increased feelings of hopefulness, self-advocacy, empowerment

Peer specialists say: “We are the evidence.”