Peer support occurs when someone with a history of mental health or substance use challenges uses their lived experiences to support another individual struggling with similar issues. Peer support is unique in that the traditional hierarchy between the “helping professional” and the “patient” is broken down. Peer support comes from a framework of mutuality and equality. 

Peer support specialists are uniquely equipped to support peers, because they have firsthand knowledge of what it’s like to struggle with a specific challenge or diagnosis, and they understand what it takes to attain recovery. This personal connection can lead to deep understanding and empathy, in addition to many practical suggestions that support recovery.