What Does It Take to Establish Mutuality and Form a Successful Peer to Peer Specialist Relationship?-Presentation Slides

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This document discusses the importance of establishing mutuality and forming successful peer-to-peer specialist relationships in the field of peer support. The Clinical Support System for Serious Mental Illness (CSS-SMI), a SAMHSA funded initiative implemented by the American Psychiatric Association (APA), is introduced as a resource for this purpose.<br /><br />Mutuality is defined as a positive, interactive relationship involving reciprocity and cooperation. It is highlighted that peer support services should be based on mutuality achieved through empathy, collaboration, equality, and equity. The peer-to-peer specialist relationship is described as one where both parties are of equal importance, and shared lived experience with behavioral health problems and treatment contributes to mutuality. However, it is also mentioned that feelings of marginalization may create barriers to establishing a therapeutic peer-to-peer relationship.<br /><br />The value of matching peers to peer supporters is emphasized, especially in marginalized communities. Specific examples are provided, such as the importance of providing mental health care knowledge and support that is specific to transgender individuals and seeking support from a shared cultural community. Community-based initiatives and informal or community-initiated peer support are discussed as effective ways to engage individuals who may have historically distrusted or felt alienated from the formal system.<br /><br />The document also addresses the need for a diverse peer workforce that reflects the racial, ethnic, cultural, and linguistic diversity of the communities being served. Hiring practices, job descriptions, and scopes of work are mentioned as ways to promote diversity in the peer workforce. The funding of peer support services and the importance of investing in peer training and certification opportunities are also discussed.<br /><br />Overall, this document highlights the significance of establishing mutuality and promoting diversity in peer support relationships to improve outcomes for individuals seeking mental health support.

Keywords

establishing mutuality

peer-to-peer specialist relationships

peer support

Clinical Support System for Serious Mental Illness

reciprocity

marginalization

matching peers

marginalized communities

diverse peer workforce

mental health support