Peer Support
Peer Support allows consumers who have experienced a mental illness to provide support for other consumers who are dealing with similar experiences. Peer Counselors are especially qualified to provide support, encouragement and resources to consumers and families because they have been in a similar situation and know what it feels like. They assist consumers in identifying life goals and taking specific steps to achieve them--steps such as building up social support networks, managing internal and external stress, and navigating service delivery systems. Peer Counselors work for or subcontract with licensed mental health agencies to provide peer support services.
Peer Counselors help consumers identify goals
that promote recovery and resiliency and assist them in identifying services
and activities to help them reach these goals. Peer Counselors share their
own experiences in recovery to encourage consumers to regain hope in, and
control over their own lives. They promote personal responsibility for recovery
and assist consumers in learning to advocate for themselves. Peer Counselors
work with consumers in groups or individually. Peer counselors are well grounded
in their own recovery and model competency in ongoing coping skills.
The Washington State Peer Support Counselor Training Program has now trained
and certified consumers since 2005. The Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery
has conducted 21 separate 40-hour trainings. Approximately
25 consumers attended each 1-week training. Peer Support Counselors become
certified by successfully completing the training, passing the certification
exam, and obtaining the Department
of Health Registered Registered Counselor Credential.
• Laws Governing Peer Support: WAC 388-865-0107, WAC 388-865-0150,WAC 388-865-0230, and WAC 388-865-0400
For Further Information Contact:Bonnie Staples - Peer Support Program Administrator(360) 725-1883 |
| Documents |
||
| Application |
Year |
File Type |
| Peer Counselor Application | 2009 - 2010 | PDF Viewer |
| Training |
||
| Peer Counseling Training Schedule 2010 | 2010 | PDF Viewer |
| Peer Support Training Curricula (Manual) | 2010 | PDF Viewer |
| Peer Support Training Curricula Appendix (Manual) | 2010 | PDF Viewer |
| Testing |
||
| Peer Counseling Examination Schedule 2010 | 2010 | PDF Viewer |
Please note- in 2010 Peer Councelor exam candidates will be required to independently schedule for their exam. Exam notification letters will not be mailed.
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