Certified Peer support is growing in interest as a means for building the mental health workforce. Peers have had similar mental health experiences and can help combat stigma, and support those who are suffering from mental health challenges in very meaningful ways. There is a national effort underway, led by the White House and federal government to support the expansion of peer support. In this letter, we, along with other national mental health organizations, urge the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to more clearly explain to potential employers of peers providing mental health support, what training and technical assistance resources are available to help proliferate the field. Read more below.
Dear Assistant Secretary Delphin-Rittmon,
On behalf of the leaders in mental health peer support, treatment services, and national advocacy, we are writing to urge the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to take action to reduce confusion about peer recovery technical assistance (TA) and address resource disparities regarding TA for mental health peer support services [compared to Substance Use peer support services].
As you are aware, SAMHSA and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have endorsed the efficacy of peer support services for the treatment of depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. The Fiscal Year 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act, signed into law on December 29, 2022, also recognizes peer support services as billable in the Medicare program when they are provided in integrated care settings or as part of mobile crisis interventions. The bill also directs CMS to provide education and outreach to Medicare providers on the use of peer support specialists in furnishing “Crisis Services and Behavioral Health Integration Services.” Peer specialists are critical to addressing significant workforce shortages and stigma and can provide culturally and racially concordant care. Peer support services have been shown to improve mental health outcomes across private and public health systems by:
- Reducing symptoms and recurrent hospitalizations
- Improving self-efficacy, self-esteem, and social engagement
- Increasing social support and lasting recoveries1
The SAMHSA website does not provide clear guidance regarding mental health peer support TA to:
- Individuals interested in paid careers as mental health peer support specialists
- States with resources they are seeking to expand the mental health workforce through certified peer support specialists,
- Potential employers interested in hiring and billing for these services,
- School districts with an interest in offering youth peer support services.
When such assistance has been requested from the National Technical Assistance Centers (TACs), they have been unsure how to support these inquiries and are unclear whether SAMHSA is aware of these gaps.
Further, the Peer Recovery Center of Excellence, the CoE with the greatest visibility, only provides peer support services and resources for substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. However, this is not clear in the name or website. While there are TA resources available for mental health peer support through the National Consumer and Consumer Supporter Technical Assistance Centers (CONSTACs), the Mental Health Technology Transfer Center Network (MMHTTC), and the National Family Support Technical Assistance Center (NFSTAC), these resources are not clearly outlined on the website. By increasing communication and coordination on these available resources and by expanding the work of regional centers nationally, SAMHSA can improve awareness and utilization of technical assistance centers, ultimately contributing to the growth and broader adoption of life-saving services across the nation.
We urge SAMHSA to incorporate mental health peer support resources in its TA strategy on an urgent basis. Additionally, we hope SAMHSA provides clarity through its website and other communications about the mental health TA services that are available and those that have yet to be created.
We thank you for your time and consideration and welcome a meeting or written response.
To discuss these critical matters further, please do not hesitate to reach out to Sarah Johanek at [email protected].
Sincerely,
Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
Mental Health America
National Association of Peer Supporters
RI International
