What is a Peer Support Professional?
Peer support specialists are vital members of the mental health and substance use recovery system, offering a unique and powerful form of support based on their own lived experiences. They are individuals with lived experience of mental health challenges, a history of trauma, substance use, or family members of individuals experiencing any of these challenges, who will provide support to others in similar situations. They leverage their personal experience to help individuals navigate the recovery process, offering encouragement, practical assistance, and advocacy. They are not therapists or counselors, but rather mentors and role models who focus on empowering individuals to achieve their recovery goals.
Skills and qualities of a peer support professional:
Lived experience of mental illness or substance use recovery: A crucial aspect of the role, allowing for genuine connection and understanding.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills: Essential for building trust and rapport with individuals in recovery.
Empathy and compassion: Ability to understand and validate the experiences of others.
Patience and understanding: Recognizing that recovery is a process with ups and downs.
Ability to set boundaries: Maintaining professional boundaries while providing support.
Advocacy skills: Representing the needs and preferences of individuals in recovery.
Knowledge of recovery resources: Some familiarity with local treatment options, support groups, and other relevant services.
Training classes are scheduled Monday-Friday and accessed via Zoom. This class qualifies attendees to work as paid peer support specialists and is the first step in applying to become a State Certified Peer Support Specialist. Training is provided at no cost to participants through support from the State of Alaska Division of Behavioral Health.
Our April 2026 training class is full. Please check back for future classes.
What do Peer Support Professionals do?
Provide professional peer support:
- Offer emotional support and encouragement to individuals in or seeking recovery.
Provide technical support:
- Assist consumers in understanding the process of services, forms being used, types of questions they may need to answer, and updates to processes.
Share lived experience:
- Use their personal recovery journey to connect with and inspire others, demonstrating hope and possibility.
Assist with recovery planning:
- Help individuals identify and achieve their recovery goals, develop coping strategies, and navigate challenges.
Advocate for clients:
- Represent the needs and preferences of individuals seeking services, ensuring they have access to appropriate resources and support.
Connect with resources:
- Guide individuals to relevant community resources, including treatment centers, support groups, and other services.
Promote self-advocacy:
- Encourage individuals to take ownership of their recovery journey and advocate for their own needs.
Role model:
- Demonstrate healthy coping mechanisms, positive attitudes, and the potential for a fulfilling life in recovery.
For More Information
Contact the AKBH training team for more information.
Email: trainingteam@akbh.org
