Abstract
The formal role of Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) is a recent addition to the mental health field. CPSs are people in recovery
employed within the mental health system, mostly by community mental health centers, to provide support through sharing life
experiences with those working toward recovery from mental illness. This brief report examines participant’s experiences being
a CPS, responsibilities and activities as a CPS, and integration into community mental health centers. Findings suggest that
CPSs demonstrate high levels of communal orientation, job satisfaction, workplace integration and organizational support and
are well received in mental health centers.
employed within the mental health system, mostly by community mental health centers, to provide support through sharing life
experiences with those working toward recovery from mental illness. This brief report examines participant’s experiences being
a CPS, responsibilities and activities as a CPS, and integration into community mental health centers. Findings suggest that
CPSs demonstrate high levels of communal orientation, job satisfaction, workplace integration and organizational support and
are well received in mental health centers.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Brief Report
- Pages 1-5
- DOI 10.1007/s10597-012-9519-9
- Authors
- Emily A. Grant, Wyoming Survey and Analysis Center, University of Wyoming, 1000 E. University, Laramie, WY 82070, USA
- Chrystal Reinhart, Center for Prevention Research and Development, 510 Devonshire Dr., Champaign, IL 61820, USA
- Scott Wituk, Center for Community Support and Research, 1845 Fairmount, Box 201, Wichita, KS 67260, USA
- Greg Meissen, Psychology Department, 1845 Fairmount, Box 34, Wichita, KS 67260, USA
- Journal Community Mental Health Journal
- Online ISSN 1573-2789
- Print ISSN 0010-3853