Program Description

Peer Support Workers are individuals who are in recovery from their own mental illness and/or substance use disorder and who wish to assist others entering recovery. Peers aim to serve as models for healthy recovery, provide mentoring and coaching, connect people to services and community supports, help in the process of establishing new social networks and support and individuals well-being, while providing an example of hope and support. Peers can work with individuals across the hospital system and at various clinic locations, as well as in the community.

Services Provided

• Multiple Peer Support Groups operate weekly at various behavioral health locations (UPC / CPC inpatient units, UPC Outpatient programs, ASAP, PFCA/YAC, CTC)
• Peer 1:1 or Individual Support (all service sites listed for groups as well as in the community)
• SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention, Referral to Treatment - all main hospital inpatient units)
• Assist in completing Psychiatric Advance Directives
• Community Outreach and Education
• All Outpatient Peer Support Groups are open access and no diagnosis or assigned UNMH provider is required to access peer support services

Referral process

Peer support is available to the community and can be accessed by contacting 505-272-5935, or by presenting to the University Psychiatric Center (UPC), second floor, during the psychotherapy walk-in hours. When checking in, interested individuals can state that they wish to speak with a Peer Support Worker.