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Exploring Issues of Culture in Peer Work - A Qualitative Study.
Niharika Hiremath1,2, Louise Byrne3,4, Helena Roennfeldt1
1Mind Australia Group, Melbourne, Australia.
Administration and Policy in Mental Health
|May 22, 2026
Summary
Culturally and Racially Marginalized (CARM) peer workers face significant challenges in traditional behavioral health systems. Systemic changes are needed to ensure these environments are equitable and inclusive for diverse communities.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Health Services Research
- Health Equity Studies
- Peer Support Work
Background:
- Peer work and lived expertise are crucial for mental health, addiction, and behavioral health systems.
- Culturally and Racially Marginalized (CARM) individuals are underrepresented in peer support and face challenges in traditional settings.
- Diverse voices are urgently needed in peer support spaces, particularly from CARM communities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To understand equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging for peer workers in traditional behavioral health settings.
- To explore the experiences of CARM peer workers navigating these systems.
- To identify themes and challenges impacting CARM individuals in peer work.
Main Methods:
- Grounded theory methodology for data collection and analysis.
- Qualitative data from a larger study of peer workers across five US organizations.
- Analysis of themes and subthemes related to CARM peer workers' experiences.
Main Results:
- Identified key themes: enablers for CARM individuals, white-dominated systems, lack of CARM voice, and challenges faced by CARM people.
- Subthemes revealed factors supporting or hindering cultural responsiveness.
- CARM peer workers encounter systemic barriers within behavioral health settings.
Conclusions:
- Findings highlight the need for systemic and structural changes in peer work environments.
- Emphasizes the necessity for inclusivity, equity, and representation of diverse communities.
- Peer work settings must become more reflective of the diverse, intersectional communities they serve.
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