Peer Advocates

What is a Peer Advocate?

A peer advocate is an individual with lived experience in the behavioral health system (mental health or substance use) and who has been a recipient of services or a family member of a person receiving services. There are different types of peer advocates who work in different settings and have various roles and responsibilities.

What does a Peer Advocate Do?

  • Offer support to individuals in relation to their own experience

  • Provide outreach and engagement

  • Assist others with building recovery skills

  • Conduct home and community visits

  • Provide education and referral to community resources

  • Document these activities

A meta-analysis spanning 49 studies and over 12k participants with mental illness found that Peer support has a positive impact on recovery. –Psychiatry Online

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), numerous studies have observed reduced substance use with Peer involvement.

A study published in the National Library of Medicine found evidence that Peer Support significantly reduced both the duration of hospital stays and the likelihood of admission.

You Can Make a Difference!

If you want to learn how to become a Peer Advocate, check out the three categories below.

How do I become certified as a Peer Advocate?

Depending on the population you wish to advocate for, you will follow a slightly different path to certification. There are three main categories of Peer Advocates working in New York State.

Adult Peer Advocates

  • Over the age of 21

  • Have experience living with mental health or substance use condition

  • Will self-identify and use those experiences to assist others in identifying goals on their path to recovery.

Youth Peer Advocates

  • Between 18 and 30 years old

  • Have first-hand experience with social, emotional, medical, developmental, substance use, and/or behavioral challenges.

  • Have experience of a New York State system such as juvenile justice, special education, and/or foster care

  • Use their lived experience to assist supporting young people in their resiliency/recovery and wellness.

Family Peer Advocates

  • Have experience as a parent/caregiver/loved one of a child or adult child with a social, emotional, behavioral, mental health, substance use or developmental disability.

  • Use their skills to empower and support other families.

Peer Advocate Certification

Learn more about becoming certified as a Peer Advocate.

Resources for Peer Advocates

Discover useful links to guide your path in becoming a peer advocate.