Actionable Items to Address Challenges Incorporating Peer Support Specialists Within an Integrated Mental Health and...

Area of Science:

• Mental Health Services Research
• Substance Use Disorder Treatment
• Integrated Care Models

Background:

• Peer support specialists enhance mental health and substance use services, reducing stigma and costs.
• The rapid growth of peer support roles in integrated care presents unique employment challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the employment experiences and challenges of peer support specialists in integrated mental health and substance use settings in New Hampshire.
• To identify key areas of difficulty faced by peer support specialists in their professional roles.

Main Methods:

• Experience-based co-design methodology employed, with nonpeer academic researchers collaborating with peer support specialists.
• Focus groups conducted with 15 peer support specialists across three integrated care agencies.
• Qualitative data analyzed using content and thematic analysis.

Main Results:

• Nine themes emerged, encompassing work role and boundaries, hiring processes, work-life balance, and workplace support.
• Key challenges identified include agency restrictions, difficulties in achieving work-life balance, workplace stigma, and inadequate compensation.
• Specific training needs were also identified by peer support specialists.

Conclusions:

• Experience-based co-design is a feasible and effective methodology for research involving peer support specialists.
• Addressing challenges related to agency policies, work-life integration, stigma, and compensation is vital.
• Actionable recommendations are provided to improve job satisfaction and reduce turnover within the peer support workforce.