Individuals who travel the road of recovery from mental health challenges, including those compounded by substance use disorders, will often find further purpose in supporting others who are earlier in the recovery process. People with a lived experience offer a perspective that is relatable to others who may be struggling with similar issues. Individuals who wish to provide peer support services can go through an intensive credentialing program to become a Certified Peer Specialist (CPS).
The Peer Support Services Program at Indian Creek Foundation offers individuals facing a mental health or dual diagnosis an opportunity to work with a CPS. A CPS draws upon their unique skills, personal knowledge, training, life experiences, and story of recovery to instill hope, promote resiliency, and exemplify “Recovery in Action.” They engage in experiential sharing for the purpose of creating mutuality, building trust, promoting resiliency, instilling confidence, and cultivating skills. They coach, mentor, and support others in identifying strengths, setting goals, following through on action steps, and sustaining their recovery.
What Does a Certified Peer Specialist Do?
Through the advantage of their lived experience, a CPS works in partnership with a peer to navigate the complexities and symptoms of their mental health. A CPS provides individual mentoring, coaching, and guidance that promotes the peer’s personal recovery goals.
A CPS is uniquely qualified to empower individuals to discover their own strength and agency for recovery. Individuals working with a CPS are motivated by that positive example to draw on their own abilities to achieve recovery and overall wellness.
Peer Groups at Indian Creek Foundation
Peer groups extend beyond the peer-to-peer mentoring relationship to offer social and learning opportunities. The Peer Support Program at Indian Creek Foundation connects peers to groups where they can build friendships, practice recovery tools, and learn new skills for greater independence. With this kind of peer and group support, individuals enjoy positive reinforcement as they progress in recovery.
Peer groups cover topics relating to:
- Computer skills
- Social skills
- Cooking skills
- Navigating public and private modes of transportation
- Wellness and recovery planning
Peer support services at Indian Creek Foundation offer individuals a path to recovery that is within reach through obtainable steps and incremental goal setting.
How Do I Get Started with Peer Support Services at Indian Creek Foundation?
For more information about Peer Support Services and the intake process, contact the Indian Creek Foundation Peer Support Coordinator at 267-203-1500 ext. 206. Indian Creek Foundation accepts private pay, Medical Assistance (Medicaid), and a combination of Medical Assistance and most private insurance coverage.