Establishing a Research Agenda for Understanding the Role and Impact of Mental Health Peer Specialists.

Mental health peer specialists are individuals with serious mental illnesses who receive training to use their lived experiences to help others with serious mental illnesses in clinical settings. This Open Forum discusses the state of the research for mental health peer specialists and suggests a research agenda to advance the field. Studies have suggested that peer specialists vary widely in their roles, settings, and theoretical orientations.

Outcome of a randomized study of a mental health peer education and support group in the VA.

Objectives: Study objectives were to compare mental health outcomes of a peer-led recovery group, a clinician-led recovery group, and usual treatment and to examine the effect of group attendance on outcomes.

Methods: The study used a randomized design with three groups: a recovery-oriented peer-led group (Vet-to-Vet), a clinician-led recovery group, and usual treatment. The sample included 240 veterans.

Monitoring the dissemination of peer support in the VA Healthcare System.

This study illustrates a monitoring system for peer support programs, focusing on Vet-to-Vet, a program for veterans with chronic psychiatric disorders. The sample consisted of 1,847 anonymous surveys from 38 veteran peer support programs. Program satisfaction and recovery orientation were positively associated with duration and frequency of participation in peer support.

A model of consumer-provider partnership: Vet-to-Vet.

Recently, there has been increased interest in consumer-provided mental health services. Two models have been proposed: One emphasizing full independence from professional services, and one in which consumers work within the mental health system. In this paper we describe Vet-to-Vet, a consumer-professional partnership model in which consumer services are embedded in a mental health system.