Changing the Game? Increasing the Impact of Peer-Run Organizations

Employment and deployment of peer support specialists in both clinical and non-clinical mental health settings has increased substantially since the 1990's. Peer-run organizations are defined as those led and managed by individuals with self-disclosed lived experience of mental health conditions. Many peer-run organizations promoting advocacy and offering services have been established during the past 30 years. Some adherents assert the effectiveness of peer-run organizations over hybrid mental health service providers in which peer support workers are integrated or partnered with existing community mental health agency multidisciplinary clinical and treatment teams. Although research has indicated the positive contributions of peer-run organizations to service user recovery, the impact of peer-run organizations on system transformation is not well documented. This concept paper explores benefits, accomplishments, and challenges faced by a peer-run organization during its 30-year evolution in offering self-help groups, supported housing, peer support services, peer specialist training, and systems change projects in Los Angeles County, California. Future research topics and policy options are suggested, along with recommendations for the SAMHSA Office of Recovery.