What is the primary role of a Peer Support Specialist?

The primary role of a Peer Support Specialist is to assist individuals through the recovery process. This involves providing support based on shared experiences, fostering hope, and helping individuals navigate the challenges of recovery from substance use or mental health issues. Peer Support Specialists use their own lived experiences to connect with others, demonstrating that recovery is possible. They play a crucial role in empowering individuals to make informed choices about their recovery and to build a supportive community around them.

The other options focus on specific therapeutic approaches or assessments that are typically the responsibility of licensed professionals. Assisting with assessments, providing recreational therapy, and conducting family counseling sessions require different training and expertise than what is expected from a Peer Support Specialist. Their unique value lies in their ability to offer empathy, support, and practical guidance rooted in personal experience rather than formal mental health interventions.