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At work tonight I discussed this idea about the role of peer specialists. I have seen and heard about peer specialists in hospital settings. The Veterans Administration and Milwaukee County Mental Health Complex have been using peers. A number of mental health non-profit groups have peer specialists. And I have seen information indicating that peer support is a recognized effective means of assisting clients with mental problems. We have experiences that may allow us to communicate with people in ways that complement the work being performed by clinicians.
In some states I believe that Medicaid will accept billing for services performed by peer specialists. I am planning to take the Wisconsin State Certification Test in February. This is in addition to the Human Services Associate degree that I earned from Milwaukee Area Technical College. I also attended the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Helen Bader School of Social Welfare. After thinking that I should become a librarian, I have found my true calling in helping to facilitate programs such as Wellness Recovery Action Plans developed by Mary Ellen Copeland.
I have been writing my blog for 2 years but only now am I starting to see clinicians, people with those extra letters behind their names, starting to read me. Things have changed in mental health since the 1960s when my younger brother was prescribed a medication to help him. Recovery was not even on the table although the movement had begun towards helping people live less restrictive independent lives in the community.
People like me overcome diagnoses such as severe depression, mania and even schizophrenia. We are making a difference with people much like ourselves. The day is coming. This is a recognized practice. Please tell us, that we would be welcome to join your staff and work alongside you.
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Related articles
- Tennessee’s First Peer Specialist Conference (hopeworkscommunity.wordpress.com)
- The commissoner on Peer support (hopeworkscommunity.wordpress.com)
- More on the conversation about peer support (hopeworkscommunity.wordpress.com)
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cool story bro