The Impact of Certified Peer Specialists as Teachers to Families
Nicole Cerundolo (1), Jacqueline Dow (1), Rahel Bosson (2), Yale Hicks (3), Zachary Millman (1), Matthew Moseman (4), Dost Öngür (1,5), Nathaniel Peter VanKirk (5,6),Emily Carol (1,5), Steve Fedele (7)
1. Division of Psychotic Disorders, The LEAP Center, McLean Hospital;
2. Medical Director of PACT, McLean Hospital;
3. (CPS) Program Coordinator of Waverly Place, McLean Hospital;
4. (CPS) PACT Team, McLean Hospital;
5. Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School;
6. OCD Institute, Office of Clinical Assessment and Research (OCAR), McLean Hospital;
7. (CPS, IPS) Program Coordinator of WellSpace, McLean Hospital
Abstract
Background: There has been a rise in certified peer specialists (CPSs) in mental health services over the past fifty years. These individuals with lived experience of mental health conditions have received training to work in clinical organizations, providing support to individuals with mental illness. Peers offer practical advice, assistance, resources, and recovery stories grounded in their unique perspectives. However, peers remain an underutilized resource in working with family members of individuals with psychosis. Given their impact in patients’ recovery, increasing family members exposure and interactions with CPS could have a significant impact on their outlook regarding mental health and recovery.
Methods: Our aim was to assess the impact CPS-led teaching sessions held for families. The project itself was organized by a peer specialist. Family members of loved ones with psychosis (n=42) completed a feedback survey following open discussion. Survey questions assessed the impact of this session on their understanding of mental health conditions, their belief in the possibility of recovery, and their ability to support a loved one with a severe mental health condition. Thematic analyses identified key motivations and overarching impressions from these sessions.
Results: Approximately 19% of survey respondents had no prior knowledge of peer specialists, and 38% of respondents attended the session specifically to hear the perspective of a peer specialist. Primary takeaways included strategies to support family members in recovery, newfound hope for the future recovery of their loved ones, a greater appreciation for peer specialists as a resource, and a deeper understanding of beneficial interventions.
Conclusions: We expect to find a significant positive impact of peer-led discussions, particularly for those lacking prior experience working with peers. This preliminary analysis will serve to illustrate the importance of peer services for families, and the impact that a single peer-led event can have on a family member’s relationship with mental illness.