Peer Specialist

Through mentoring, skill building, and friendship, Peer Specialists engage mental health consumers to find their own road to recovery.  Peer Specialists relate to individuals by telling their own personal stories of dealing with their own mental illnesses and how they have found success.  They offer hope to those who may see their illness as only negative.  Peer Specialists empower consumers to find self worth and self sufficiency, and can teach them to advocate for themselves.

Any Butler County resident may obtain a Certified Peer Specialist provided they meet a few guidelines.   A referral form should be completed identifying the need for the service and that it is approved by a doctor or certified nurse practitioner.  An evaluation by the doctor or nurse must accompany the referral.  Once this is received, an individual will be matched to a Certified Peer Specialist, who will them meet with the individual in the community, at their home, in the office, or wherever is agreeable to the individual.  A Peer Specialist can collaborate with other community supports or on an individual basis. Our goal is to help everyone reach their best potential.       

Myths and Facts

Myth: Individuals with mental illness are unable to lead normal lives.

     Fact: Studies have shown that individuals suffering from mental illness are able to lead productive and very normal lives.

Myth: Treatments and available services are universal to all forms of mental illness.

     Fact: One size does not fit all.  Today there are available a wide array of treatment options for people suffering from mental illness, no matter what the diagnosis may be.

Myth: Individual needs and personal goals cannot be addressed until the symptoms of mental illness are eliminated.

     Fact: While the road to recovery is a long one people can still function in every day life and reach their personal goals.

Recovery Quotes

”Peer Support is a system of giving and receiving help founded on key principles of respect, shared responsibility, and mutual agreement of what is helpful.”

(Sherry Mead,2003) “Defining Peer Support”

“Recovery is an ongoing process that I have to constantly work on in order to lead a meaningful life.  I have to use the tools daily that have been offered me through various programs.  If I fail to remember this and apply it, relapse is not far away.”

(Maurice Dorsey, Certified Peer Specialist)

“In reality people are  NOT problems.  People are people who HAVE problems.  Every human being is of worth and dignity.  We need to remember that.” 

(Harold Davis,  Utilities Helpline Specialist)

“Recovery is constantly realigning and redefining my life as it changes.”

(Vickie Beachem, Certified Peer Specialist)

“Recovery is a way of hope and promise for people to reach their full potential as individuals and community members”

(Debbie Dalton, Certified Peer Specialist)