Peer Specialist Power Point

Missouri Department of Mental Health Peer Specialist Initiative A Program of Recovery and Hope

The Department of Mental Health, Division of Comprehensive Psychiatric Services State Advisory Council members researched and chose a Peer Specialist training and certification model. Based on the Council recommendations, the Division adopted the Appalachian Consulting Group “Georgia Model” for Peer Specialist training.  The Division and the Office of Transformation are committed to following through on the Council recommendations to move the mental health system to a wellness model that empowers individuals to establish their personal mental health goals and manage both their mental health and plan of care through education and supports. 

One primary strategy in transforming the system is to recognize the power of consumer as providers. Recognizing consumers as providers is taking root in the mental health system. Emerging evidence strongly supports the need for peer support services as a costeffective and complementary adjunct to professional mental health services and supports.  Peer support services can move the system to focus less on illness and disability and more on wellness. To accomplish this goal, Missouri has provided equal weight to expertise gained through the “lived experience” as is done with other credentials or knowledge base. 

 A Peer

Specialist can share lived experiences of recovery, share and support the use of recovery tools and model successful recovery behaviors.  Through this process, consumers can learn to identify their strengths and personal resources, learn to make independent choices, and take a proactive role in their treatment. Additionally, Peer Specialists can help consumers connect with other consumers and with their community at large.

2008-2010  With the oversight of the State Advisory Council, six Peer Specialist Basic Trainings were conducted in 2008-2010. The trainings were conducted in Jefferson City, St. Louis, Kansas City and Columbia. The week-long trainings were conducted by trained individuals employed by the department and Mental Health America of the Heartland. Six Missouri Peer Specialist Trainers have been trained, two of which are Council members.

 

  

 

157 individuals have been trained and 90 have reached the goal of Certified Missouri Peer Specialist status. 20 community mental health centers have sent individuals to the training and 16 have certified peer specialists working in their agencies. 10 Consumer Operated Services Program Drop-In Centers and Warm Lines sent individuals to the training. 2 State-operated psychiatric hospitals have hired peer specialists Additionally, the Veteran’s Administration, residential providers, Services for Independent Living, and two substance abuse treatment agency have sent individuals to the training 3 Peer Specialist Supervisor Trainings have been conducted 1 presentation was given at the Missouri Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association conference in September 2009.

IMPACT OF ILLNESS There are times in a person’s life when they are OVERWHELMED by the disabling power of a diagnosis or mental illness. Danger: The Danger at this stage is that someone will redefine themselves as their Diagnosis and limit their Future.

The Role of the Peer Specialist  It is the role of the Peer Specialist to help someone see that there is more to life then their diagnosis Peer Specialist Recovery Tool:  A Peer Specialist can use their own Recovery Story to help someone see that there is more to life than a diagnosis.  A Recovery Story can help someone see that they are not alone and that there is Hope

LIFE IS LIMITED  There are times in a person’s life when they have GIVEN INTO or IS LIMITED BY the disabling power of a diagnosis or mental illness  Danger: The Danger in this stage is that a person will not see any possibilities. A person is unable to see that they can make a difference in their life.

The Role of the Peer Specialist  It is the Role of the Peer Specialist to help someone see the possibilities in their life. A peer specialist can help to show someone Hope. Peer Specialist Recovery Tool  During this stage, a Peer Specialist can use the Recovery Tool- Dissatisfaction As and Avenue of Change- to help someone see the possibilities in their life.  This Tool helps a person identify where they are dissatisfied and help them see how to change it.

CHANGE IS POSSIBLE  There are times is a person’s life when they are ACTIVELY QUESTIONING the disabling power of a diagnosis or mental illness.  Danger: The Danger of this stage is that someone might become afraid or discouraged from taking the necessary “risks” in their Recovery and they will stay in the “Life is Limited” stage.

The Role of the Peer Specialist  The Role of the Peer Specialist is to provide support and to show someone that their life is NOT Limited. A Peer Specialist can help someone face their fears. Peer Specialist Recovery Tool  During this stage, a Peer Specialist can use the Recovery Tool- Facing One’s Fears- to help someone face their fears about making changes in their life.

COMMITTMENT TO CHANGE There are times in a person’s life when they are CHALLENGING the disabling power of a diagnosis or mental illness. Danger: The danger of this stage is that a person won’t have support, resources, or skill necessary to make changes in their life.

The Role of The Peer Specialist  It is the Role of the Peer Specialist to help provide the necessary support, resources, and skills that someone will need to make changes in their life. A Peer Specialist can also share strategies bases on their own experiences. Peer Specialist Recovery Tool  During this stage a Peer Specialist can use their own experience and resources to help someone find all of the support they need to make changes in their life.

ACTIONS FOR CHANGE  There are times in a person’s life when they have MOVED BEYOND the disabling power of a diagnosis or mental illness.  Danger: The danger at this stage is that a person will begin to doubt their own ability to function on their own. They will not trust their own decision making process and revert back to life lived within the system.

The Role of the Peer Specialist  It is the Role of the Peer Specialist to help a person trust their own decision making ability and take responsibility. Peer Specialist Recovery Tool  During this stage, a Peer Specialist can teach someone the Problem Solving Tool commonly referred to as PICBA. This tool gives someone the skills they need to face any problem and make good decisions.

Impact of Illness

Actions for Change

Commitment to Change

Life is Limited

Change is Possible

 Additional

Peer Specialist Basic Trainings and Supervisor trainings are being planned.  Additionally, there are plans for a more cohesive network to be formed with regular conference calls of the trained individuals to provide ongoing support and consultation. Continuing education trainings are being planned to enhance Peer Specialist skills on trauma-informed care, ethics, employment and wellness.  For more information go to the Peer Specialist Website at:

www.peerspecialist.org