Peer Support

Regarding mental health, people with profound mental health experiences or challenges have always given each other informal support and received it from each other.

Peer support, particularly through the Certified Peer Specialist Initiative launched in 2004, has been identified as a pivotal component in the transformation of Pennsylvania's public mental health system. These specialists play a significant role in this change, offering their unique insights and experiences.

Peer support services were added to Pennsylvania’s Medicaid State Plan in 2007. Every county or county joinder in Pennsylvania is now required to make peer support services, provided by Certified Peer Specialists (CPS), available to mental health consumers with Medicaid insurance.

Embracing the recovery-oriented approach, Diakon Family Life Services has established an in-house Peer Support Program staffed by Certified Peer Specialists. February 2024 OMHSAS criteria for the Certified Peer Specialist include: 

1. be a self-identified individual with a mental health diagnosis who has reached a point in their recovery pathway where they can positively support others in similar situations, 
2. be 18 years of age or older, 
3. complete and pass PA Certified Peer Specialist Training, 
4. be certified as a Certified Peer Specialist through the PA Certification Board by completing all certification requirements.

For more information about this program, please call 570-322-7873.