Recovery Starts with Understanding – About Peer Support Specialists at Coleman

Jul 22, 2021 | Blog, Mental Health

Peer Support Specialist Offer “Real Life” Experience

At Coleman, our Peer Support Specialists are living proof that recovery is possible. They are people who have been successful in the recovery process and work alongside others experiencing mental, emotional or substance use challenges. Coleman peer support workers are essentially recovery coaches. Because support is coming from a peer, rather than a therapist, counselor or psychiatrist, peer support specialists offer a unique connection and valuable perspective.

Find Support from Someone Who Has Been There

Having guidance and support from someone who has “been there” is what many in recovery value the most about Peer Support Services. Working together with a Coleman Peer Support Specialist works to form a tapestry of service and trust. That’s because they have genuine empathy. They understand the struggle you feel when mental health and substance use issues interrupt your daily life. They’ve walked where you walk. Because they have been successful in their own recovery process, they’re able to focus on helping you achieve your goals and reach your potential.

Beyond personal experience, they’ve earned the credentials to offer active support. Our Peer Support Specialists are here to listen, provide hands-on support, and offer practical coping strategies. They serve not only as mentors but also as sources of hope and inspiration to people who are beginning their journeys to recovery.

Peer Support is Part of “Whole Person” Treatment & Care

At Coleman, we understand that it takes a network of coordinated care to support change. Working together allows Coleman to collaborate with our clients on a personalized care plan and support services in a more holistic and meaningful way. While peer support is not based on psychiatric models and diagnostic criteria, our Peer Support Specialists play an important role in “whole person” treatment at Coleman – a wellness approach that can offer a greater level of care by integrating mental and physical health as well as meaningful contribution and successful daily living. As part of an integrated care team, a Peer Support Specialist works alongside other healthcare providers that may include a family doctor, a counselor or therapist, a psychiatrist and a case manager. It’s a support system that often works in tandem with community-based support services like job coaching and supportive housing. Peer Support Specialists are educators, allies, mentors, advocates, confidantes, problem solvers and companions.

Find Support Through Real Life Issues

If you’ve been newly diagnosed with a mental health issue, or you are on your recovery journey and need support and motivation, you can always call on our peer support specialists. Maybe you’re coming to Coleman for the first time. A peer support specialist will listen without judgement, and share what you can expect. Whether you’re struggling with employment and housing needs or with relationships with family and friends, our peer support specialists are to help connect you to services, programs and community resources that can help you along your road to recovery.

Coleman Peer Support Specialists Offer Hands-On Support

Their experience, knowledge and support can help guide you in the following areas:

  • Offer emotional support, crisis intervention and relapse prevention
  • Teach important coping skills
  • Identify personal strengths that can help you achieve recovery goals
  • Develop self-confidence and advocacy skills
  • Help you build stronger relationships and support networks
  • Provide practical assistance — to help you live, work, and participate more fully in your community
  • Connect you with vital support resources — including health services, supportive housing, social services, education assistance and employment assistance, health services and more

Someone from Coleman will respond to your request within 24 hours. If this is an emergency, please call 9-1-1. If you are in a crisis, call one of Coleman’s crisis hotlines. Find your crisis hotline here