Certified Peer Specialist Program

Navigating the challenges and changes that life throws at us can be difficult.  Now imagine trying to do this when you struggle to find the motivation to do everyday tasks.  Facing judgment and mocking from those around you, maybe even your own family.  Wondering whether you can even trust what your own senses, brain, and heart are telling you.  That is a small glimpse into what living with a mental illness can be like.  Nonetheless, there is hope and now help, from people who have been there and made it through, and are living in recovery everyday. This help is available through ACRP’s newest program Certified Peer Specialist. 

Peer support services are based upon the fundamental principles of recovery and the specialized knowledge from those who have “been there”.  The most familiar precedents to this movement are self-help and 12-step type groups.  Peer provided services have high success rates in other counties and states.  The results are documented and personally immeasurable. 

Recovery principles guiding Peer Support are:

·           Provide opportunities for individuals to direct their own recovery & advocacy

·           Teach & support acquisition and utilization of skills needed for recovery

·           Promote knowledge of available service options and choices

·           Promote the utilization of natural resources within the community

·           Facilitate the development of a sense of wellness and self worth.

The Peer Specialist program is to be a Medicaid approved service and is supported by Value Behavioral Health (the Medicaid managed care organization to be initiated in Cambria County in July 2007).  Peer support services are specialized therapeutic interactions conducted by trained professionals who are self-identified current or former consumers of mental health services.  Specific service goals are based on individual needs and personal aspirations and their attainment is facilitated through the relationship between the peer specialist and the person served.  Common goal areas are: wellness/ recovery, education/employment, crisis support, housing, social networking, self determination, and individual advocacy.  

Eligibility:

• Age 18 or over, diagnosed with a mental illness and/or substance abuse issue that creates verifiable impairments in daily life functioning 
• Insured by Access (Medical Assistance)
• Willing to work intensely toward recovery

Once a referral is made, an intake evaluation is scheduled.  Medical necessity for the service can be established several ways and will be discussed at intake.

How to get Peer Support:

Obtain an ACRP referral form and forward it to the ACRP Outpatient Clinic (131 Market street or fax: 536-5431).  For more information about the program contact Kelly Mateljan at 534-0745 ext 332.