Perceived Educational Needs of Substance Use Peer Support Specialists: A Qualitative Study

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Health
• Substance Use Disorder Treatment
• Peer Support Services

Background:

• The opioid crisis is a significant national issue.
• Peer support specialists are increasingly recognized in substance use and behavioral health.
• Standardized training for peer support specialists in integrated care is lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the perceived educational needs of practicing certified peer support specialists.
• To inform the development of standardized training curricula for peer support roles.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative focus groups were conducted with 14 certified peer support specialists.
• Inductive thematic analysis was applied to identify key themes in perceived training needs.

Main Results:

• Six essential training themes emerged: mental health/suicide prevention, diversity/equity/inclusion (DEI), counseling skills, family systems approach, professionalism, and self-care (mind, soul, body).

Conclusions:

• Incorporating these identified topics into educational training will enhance peer support specialists' confidence and competence.
• Standardized, comprehensive training is crucial for effective integration of peer support into behavioral health teams.