GEO Care/South Florida Evaluation and Treatment Center (SFETC) in Florida City Florida has successfully implemented a Peer Counselor Support Program that is an inspiration as a role-model to the patients.

Peer Counselors are individuals who have experienced mental illness first-hand. Because of their life experience with mental illness, the court system, and mental health services, peer counselors provide expertise that cannot be replicated by clinicians. Peer counselors are notably qualified to inspire hope because they have traveled similar roads, experienced similar situations, and uniquely understand the experience of living with a mental illness, including the side effects of psychotropic medications. In particular they have an awareness of the type of action steps that are requisites to achieve and maintain recovery.

(l-r) George Gintoli, Vice President, Administration, GEO Care; Jeff Robinson; Jorge Dominicis, President of GEO Care.

Peer counselors gives patients the time needed to put across issues, concerns, and feelings. A meeting with a patient takes place when the patient makes a request, or expresses willingness to meet, i.e., the patient is ready to have a discussion. The patient is allowed to talk, cry, laugh, and even rant. The peer counselor shows empathy, provides feedback, and transfers experiential knowledge of recovery, but does not impose advice, e.g., “If I were you I would …” He/she utilizes two-way communication but primarily listens. The peer counselor is not judgmental or critical and provides positive support only. The patient is allowed to talk about whatever he/she wants but the peer counselor tries to maintain focus on one issue in order to probe, and thus assist the patient in arriving at a more insightful perception of the issue. Concentration is directed at getting things back in order in the patient’s life and taken away from past issues.

GEO/Care SFETC has recognized Jeff Robinson as a pioneer in his role as Peer Counselor. Robinson received services at SFETC a few years ago and experienced the need to navigate the judicial system in pursue of appropriate care, treatment, and services. Under the guidance of the Patient Advocate, Robinson helps to promote the mental wellness of the patients. He greatly enjoys his work, always comes to work with a cheerful attitude, and makes it a point to know staff and patients by their first name. The patients appreciate his integrity and sincerity. Robinson has learned much in his own journey and is willing to share his insights with the patients so that they may benefit from his support. We are very proud of Robinson. His involvement with SFETC has evolved from one in need to giving services to the patients. This is what recovery is all about.