Peer Counseling
What is Peer Counseling?
Peer counseling is a non-clinical form of support in which people with shared life experiences—such as mental health challenges, substance use recovery, trauma, or other hardships—offer one another understanding, encouragement, and guidance.
Peer support is based on mutual respect and the belief that recovery is possible. It is grounded in principles of:
Lived experience – The person offering support has experienced similar struggles and is in a place of recovery or stability.
Mutuality – Peer support is a two-way relationship; both people benefit from the connection.
Empowerment – Peer supporters don’t “fix” others; they walk alongside them, offering hope and helping build confidence and self-determination.
Strength-based approach – The focus is on identifying and building on personal strengths, not on problems or deficits.
Our Certified Peer Specialists bring a unique level of acceptance, understanding, and validation that is often hard to find in other professional relationships. What many in recovery value most about peer counseling is the guidance and support from someone who has truly "been there."
For More Information
Call: (607) 277-PEER
Email: info@mhaedu.org
Our Services
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Peer Counseling
Certified Peer Specialists provide no cost, non clinical one-on-one support sessions. Peer counseling provides individuals a safe, non-judgmental space for sharing, support, and working on personal goals.
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Group Support and Activities
We offer a variety of in-person and online activity and support groups for individuals 18 and older. Groups take place Monday through Friday, providing regular opportunities for connection and growth.
How Can a Peer Specialist Help?
Peer Specialists offer non judgemental crisis support, emotional support and relapse prevention. A Peer Specialist may help:
Identify and develop personal strengths that can assist you with maintaining recovery goals and managing mental illness.
Build peer relationships and create stronger natural support networks.
Enhance social skills allowing you to live, work and participate more fully in your communities.
Navigate community services and resource
What is a Certified Peer Specialist?
All Certified Peer Specialists (CPS) in New York State need to meet specific requirements: be at least 18 years of age, have earned a high school diploma, complete a core curriculum of specialized peer training courses at the Academy of Peer Services and publicly (self-determined) acknowledge that they have or are currently using mental health services. Certification also requires completing 2,000 hours of supervised peer specialist work. Certification is administered and authorized through the New York Peer Specialist Certification Board (NYPSCB). New York Certified Peer Specialist certification is funded through the New York State Office of Mental Health.
