Behavioral Enhancement Services & Treatment

Peer Support

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What's Peer Support?

Mental health clients that have become stable can become certified as a Peer Support Specialist or PSS. A PSS is a person who has lived the experience and is nonjudgemental.

About Our Peer Support Service

Peer Support is a peer recovery practice involving listening, mutual learning, respect and hope. A PSS is a person who has lived the experience and is nonjudgmental. 

Those who provide peer support services believe in recovery and work to promote these values: 

  • Recovery is a choice
  • Recovery is unique to the individual
  • Recovery is a journey, not a destination
  • Focusing on strengths allows a person to recognize their potential and to make new choices
  • Self-directed recovery is possible for everyone
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Curious About Peer Support?

Behavioral Enhancement Services and Treatment provides peer support in Pocatello Idaho for people with mental health concerns. Our services are designed to help those who suffer from conditions such as bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, and more.

Our team of dedicated professionals understands the challenges that come with living with a mental illness. We offer compassionate support that can help you or your loved one manage their condition and live a fulfilling life.

Contact us today to learn more about our services!

More About Peer Support 

Peer support is a system of providing emotional, social, and practical support to people who are going through a difficult experience. It is based on the idea of mutual aid, which is the belief that we can help one another through tough times. Peer support can take many different forms, but all of them involve someone who has gone through a similar experience offering help and guidance to someone who is currently going through it. 

Research has shown that peer support can be an effective way to improve mental health and wellbeing. It can provide a sense of belonging and connection, reduce isolation and loneliness, and help people to develop new skills and coping mechanisms. If you are facing a difficult challenge in your life, reaching out to a peer support specialist could be a valuable step on your journey to recovery.

Who are Peer Support Specialists?

A peer support specialist is a person who has been trained and certified to provide support and assistance to others who are going through a mental health or substance abuse recovery process. Peer support specialists use their own lived experiences to help others identify and achieve their goals for recovery. 

In addition to providing emotional support, peer support specialists can also offer practical guidance on navigating the recovery process, connect clients with resources, and provide information on available treatment options. By offering both emotional and practical support, peer support specialists can play a vital role in helping individuals achieve and maintain sobriety.

How Does It Work

At its simplest, peer support is providing emotional and/or practical assistance to another person who is going through a similar experience. It’s based on the idea that people who have been through a similar situation are better equipped to understand and support someone else going through the same thing. 

Peer support can take many different forms, but all forms are based on two key principles: 
  • People with lived experience of a problem are best placed to provide support to others experiencing the same thing.
  • An effective support relationship is built on trust, reciprocity, and mutual respect.

Peer support most often takes place within groups, but it can also happen one-on-one. In group settings, people come together to share their experiences and offer each other advice and guidance. One-on-one peer support happens when someone reaches out to another person for help with a specific problem. 

There is growing evidence that peer support is an effective way to improve mental health and well-being. For example, one study found that people who participated in peer support groups had lower rates of depression than those who did not participate in such groups. 

 

The Benefits of Peer Support

Peer support is a valuable resource for many different types of people. Whether you are struggling with mental health issues, going through a difficult life transition, or just looking to connect with others in your community, having access to an empathetic and understanding group can make all the difference. 

Some of the key benefits of peer support include strengthening social connections, improving confidence and self-esteem, promoting healing and recovery, and providing concrete resources. Whether you are participating in one-on-one or group sessions, peer support offers a unique space where you can feel safe and supported as you navigate the challenges of life. 

Get a Free Consultation!

Peer support in Pocatello Idaho is an important part of Behavioral Enhancement Services & Treatment’s mission to provide the best possible care for those who suffer from addiction, depression, or other mental health problems. 

Our peer support specialists are vital members of our team, and they are dedicated to helping others cope with and recover from their daily struggles in life. If you or someone you know is battling with mental health issues, please call us at (208) 223-0240 to learn more about how we can help.