Thoughts on peer (paraprofessional) support in the provision of mental health services

Whether providing emergency mental health services or traditional counseling, the rapid establishment of credibility and rapport represent a significant challenge for the interventionist in the development of the therapeutic relationship. The provision of "peer" psychological support represents an intuitively compelling mechanism for meeting such a challenge, especially when dealing with recipients who are unfamiliar with, or are otherwise resistant to, mental health intervention. If cautiously applied and generously supervised, the use of peer psychological support may allow the provision of psychological support services to those who might otherwise avoid such support.