Providing Peer Support Across Settings

MaineHealth peer support team members have lived experience with challenges in maintaining mental health and/or recovery from substance use. Through the peer support model, peer support team members connect with individuals who have or are currently struggling with mental health and/or substance use, sharing their lived experiences in a way that strengthens both people’s recovery/wellness.

Peer support team members meet individually with people, facilitate peer support groups, educate others, and conduct outreach. Through discussions around shared experiences and challenges, people struggling with mental health and/or substance use can build upon personal strengths while exploring the benefits and practice of healthy relationships.

Peer support team members work in a variety of settings from hospital emergency departments, to behavioral health and primary care practices, to behavioral health home teams. In addition, there is a statewide Youth Peer Support Network to provide adolescents and young adults with the tools to promote a safe recovery.

Tracking Progress

Between October 2020 and October 2022, MBH’s peer support recovery team received 760 referrals from 8 MaineHealth emergency departments

• 100% of referrals from the emergency departments were responded to within 72 hours

364 individuals engaged in a peer support relationship after their emergency department visit

• 94% of peer support participants report their participation in the program as meaningful
• 83% of participants report that peer support has improved important aspects of their life
• 86% of participants report feeling more hopeful as a result of peer support

The Youth Peer Support Statewide Network has received over 260 referrals between Spring 2021 and Fall 2022 for youth and youth adults 14-26 who are struggling with their mental health.

• 100% of youth network participants report being satisfied with the network’s services