There is a movement in the VA towards providing recovery oriented care. This represents a cultural shift in perspective. Individuals seeking mental health services are viewed as more than just a diagnosis, but as a whole person. The recovery model focuses on an individual’s strengths and is based on the fundamental principle that recovery from mental illness is possible. Recovery from mental illness is not like recovery from the flu; it is an ongoing process of reclaiming one’s life, working towards meaningful, self-directed goals and redefining one’s identity. This model promotes wellness and recovery, over illness and disability.Peer Support services are an essential element in implementing the recovery approach. Peer Support Specialists are individuals who have a lived experience of mental illness, who have used or are using mental health services, and who are employed specifically as a result of their experience. An important quality for Peer Support Specialists is someone who has the ability to share their recovery journey with others, who can motivate and encourage others and instill hope. Mary Ellen Copeland and Shery Mead describe the role, “Peer Support is not like clinical support, and it is more than just being friends. In Peer Support we understand each other because we’ve “been there,” shared similar experiences and can model for each other a willingness to learn and grow. We come together with the intention of changing unhelpful patterns, getting out of “stuck” places, and building relationships that are respectful, mutually responsible, and, potentially, mutually transforming.” (Copeland and Mead, 2004). Peer Support is an extremely valuable service.
The West Palm Beach VA Medical Center is at the forefront of incorporating Peer Support services into mental health care. We have a total of eight Peer Support Specialists on staff. They are currently providing services in the Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Center, Mental Health Intensive Case Management Program, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Clinic, Substance Abuse Clinic, and Outreach. They are providing recovery based support and educational groups that are motivational, and help individuals set and achieve personally meaningful life goals. Another important role of Peer Supports is connecting them to resources in the community and consumer advocacy.
In addition to services provided within the medical center, Peer Support Specialists also conduct outreach and provide community-based services with nurse case managers. This includes following up with Veterans who are missing appointments after discharge from the inpatient unit to encourage them to participate in their treatment. Peer Support services may precede treatment to strengthen an individual’s motivation to change and encourage them to engage in treatment. This is particularly important to re-engage Veterans with serious mental illness that are lost to the healthcare system and may be homeless. Peer Support Specialists assist in searching for these Veterans and work on building a trusting relationship, introducing them to resources and eligible services, and encouraging them to receive treatment. Without the assistance of the Peer Supports, these individuals may never receive the care they need.
An example of collaboration with Peer Support Specialists is a recent project in the Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Center. During a group discussion on cultivating joy in one’s life, Veterans shared they have enjoyed flying kites in the past. Our Peer Support Specialist collected materials for participants to create kites from palm leaves. Veterans made kites and later flew them. This provided a unique opportunity for Veterans to create something meaningful, increase self-esteem and experience joy. This also instilled hope that individuals can achieve their recovery goals. Recovery from mental illness is within reach.