Certified Peer Support Services — Basic Service Description

Overview Certified Peer Support Services provide lived-experience–based assistance to individuals seeking recovery from mental health conditions, substance use, or co-occurring disorders. Services are delivered by trained and state-certified Peer Support Specialists who use personal recovery experience to offer emotional support, practical guidance, and advocacy. These services complement clinical care and help clients build resilience, self-advocacy, and community connections.

Scope of Services

• One-on-one peer support sessions: Scheduled, person-centered meetings focused on recovery goals, strengths, coping strategies, and wellness planning.

• Peer-led recovery coaching: Goal setting, progress tracking, motivation, and skill-building for daily living, relapse prevention, and sustained recovery.

• Crisis support and de-escalation: Immediate emotional support, safety planning, and stabilization techniques provided by peers during moments of heightened distress (non-clinical; coordinates with clinical/crisis services as needed).

• Navigation and system advocacy: Assistance accessing community resources, benefits, housing, employment, education, and behavioral health services; accompaniment to appointments when requested.

• Group peer support: Facilitated peer groups for mutual support, psychoeducation, skill-building, and social connection.

• Transition and discharge support: Peer assistance during transitions from inpatient, residential, or justice settings back to community living; follow-up to reduce readmission risk.

• Family and support-person engagement: Education and guidance for family members or chosen supports on recovery principles and how to work collaboratively with a peer support specialist.

• Wellness and recovery planning: Collaborative development and regular review of personalized recovery and crisis plans, including strengths, triggers, coping strategies, and support networks.

• Documentation and outcome tracking: Routine progress notes, goal tracking, and reporting consistent with certification and payer requirements.

Eligibility and Access

• Services available to adults and/or youth as defined by program policies and state certification scope.

• Referral sources may include self-referral, clinicians, case managers, hospitals, courts, and community organizations.

• Intake includes verification of eligibility, informed consent, and an initial strengths-based assessment to identify goals and preferences.

Service Delivery

• Delivery modes: In-person, telephonic, and video-based sessions; community-based settings as appropriate.

• Session frequency and duration: Individualized based on need; typical sessions range from 30 to 60 minutes. Frequency may be weekly or biweekly.

• Scope limits: Peer Support Specialists provide non-clinical support and do not perform clinical assessments, diagnose, or prescribe treatment. They work collaboratively with clinical teams and refer to licensed professionals when clinical intervention is required.

Quality and Standards

• Staff: All Peer Support Specialists hold state-recognized certification, complete required supervision, and participate in ongoing training on ethics, trauma-informed care, boundaries, and cultural competence.

• Confidentiality: Services delivered in compliance with applicable confidentiality laws and program policies; clients receive a clear explanation of privacy limits and mandated reporting obligations.

• Supervision and oversight: Structured peer supervision and clinical oversight pathways to ensure service fidelity, safety, and continuous improvement.

• Outcome measurement: Use of standardized recovery-oriented measures and regular review of service utilization, client satisfaction, and recovery outcomes.

Billing and Documentation

• Billing: Services billed according to payer-specific codes and program fee schedules; eligibility for reimbursement varies by state and payer.

• Documentation: Accurate, timely progress notes and care coordination records maintained per certification and funder requirements.

Referral and Contact Process

• Intake scheduling: Clear instructions for making referrals, scheduling initial appointments, and emergency contact procedures.

• Emergency procedures: Immediate referral to crisis services or 911 when imminent risk to self or others is identified.

This basic service description is intended to define a professional, single-focus program offering only Certified Peer Support Services. Program policies and procedures should be developed to align with state certification requirements, payer rules, and organizational governance.