Developing a trauma-informed peer support framework for young adults (TIPS-YA): Building on lessons from the field

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry and Mental Health
• Peer Support Services
• Trauma-Informed Care

Background:

• Peer support services are increasingly offered to young adults (YA) with serious mental health conditions.
• Psychiatric rehabilitation programs are expanding these services nationally and globally.
• Existing models lack a comprehensive approach integrating peer support and trauma-informed care for YA.

Purpose of the Study:

• To advance a trauma-informed peer support framework specifically for young adults (YA).
• To integrate principles of peer support and trauma-informed care for YA mental health.
• To provide a conceptual model for research and practice in psychiatric rehabilitation.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on peer support and trauma-informed care.
• Analysis of three YA mental health interventions.
• Iterative team consensus-building meetings to identify framework pillars.

Main Results:

• Identification of the Trauma-Informed Peer Support for Young Adults (TIPS-YA) framework.
• The TIPS-YA framework is built upon four essential pillars: safety, mutuality, empowerment and voice, and context.
• This is the first conceptualization of peer support to encompass all four critical areas for YA.

Conclusions:

• Peer support for YA requires specialized consideration within psychiatric rehabilitation.
• YA services must address the unique developmental transition from youth to adulthood.
• The TIPS-YA framework provides a foundation for developing effective peer support programs and advancing research in the field.