Pilot Test of Using Peer Specialists to Deliver Cognitive-Behavioral Social Skills Training

Area of Science:

• Mental Health Services Research
• Psychiatric Rehabilitation
• Social Skills Training

Background:

• Serious mental illness (SMI) in Veterans presents significant challenges to functioning and well-being.
• Peer specialists (PS) offer a unique perspective in mental health care delivery.
• Structured psychosocial interventions are crucial for improving outcomes in SMI populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the fidelity and preliminary outcomes of PS-delivered Cognitive-Behavioral Social Skills Training (CBSST) in Veterans with SMI.
• To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of CBSST as delivered by peer specialists.
• To examine changes in symptoms, functioning, hope, and defeatist attitudes.

Main Methods:

• A single-arm, baseline-post pilot study was conducted with 12 Veterans diagnosed with SMI.
• Four peer specialists delivered a 12-week CBSST intervention across two sites.
• Standardized fidelity measures and five outcome assessments were administered pre- and post-intervention.

Main Results:

• Statistically significant improvements were observed in four key outcomes: symptoms, hope, defeatist attitudes, and skill learning.
• Effect sizes and fidelity ratings were comparable to previous trials, with fidelity exceeding competence thresholds.
• The intervention demonstrated preliminary efficacy and feasibility in a real-world setting.

Conclusions:

• Peer specialist-delivered CBSST shows promise as an effective intervention for Veterans with serious mental illness.
• This model of care, utilizing peer specialists for structured interventions, warrants further investigation.
• Findings suggest that PSs can successfully deliver evidence-based psychosocial treatments to improve SMI outcomes.