Peer Support Services

What is Peer Support?

A variety of services provided by individuals who have personally experienced recovery from mental health challenges, substance use disorders, or both. They 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 Support is the guidance and support from someone who has truly "been there."

Our Peer Specialists are dedicated to helping others discover and pursue their own recovery paths—free from judgment, expectations, rules, or requirements. They also engage in a range of outreach and engagement activities, meeting people where they are and offering support in a way that resonates with those on their journey.

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.

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 resources

Our Services

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.

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