History

History of Peer Support Workers

Who are peer support workers?

Individuals who have personally experienced mental health or substance abuse issues
The peers support movement- began in the 1960s and 1970s with the development of self-help groups for individuals with mental health issues.

Project SB 803

Is a bill that was passed in California in 2014 that established a certification process for peers support workers in the state.
Designed to ensure that Peers support workers in California meet certain standards of knowledge & competency

History of Clinicians

History of Clinicians & Areas of Expertise

The history of clinicians, or health care professionals who diagnose and treat patients, dates back many centuries.

Some of the earliest known clinicians were the ancient Greek physicians, who practiced a form of medicine that combined natural remedies with a philosophical approach to illness and healing.

Rely on Scientific and evidence-based practices to diagnose and treat patients.

Utilization of diagnostic tests, medications, and various therapeutic techniques.

Backgrounds of Clinicians & Specializations

Doctors (such as medical doctors, osteopathic doctors, and pediatricians), Nurses, Therapists (such as psychologists, social workers, and counselors)

In recent years, there has been a trend towards interdisciplinary care, with clinicians from different specialties working together as part of a team to provide comprehensive care to patients.

Intersection Between Peers Support and Clinical Practice:

Turning Chaos Into Harmony

Laws & Regulations

Roles & Purpose for Peers

Peers

Peers support workers, also known as peers specialists, are individuals who have personally experienced mental health or substance abuse issues and use their lived experience to provide support and guidance to others who are struggling with similar issues. The role of peers in the mental health care system is to offer a unique perspective and understanding of what it is like to live with a mental health or substance abuse condition. They can provide hope, encouragement, and a sense of connection to others who have had similar experiences.

According to the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), the purpose of peers support is to:

Roles & Purpose for Clinicians

Clinicians

Clinicians, or health care professionals, play a vital role in the health care system in California and around the world. They are responsible for diagnosing and treating patients, and for providing a range of medical services to help individuals maintain their health and well-being.

There are many different types of clinicians, each with their own specific areas of expertise and responsibilities. Some common types of clinicians include:


In California and other states, clinicians typically work as part of a team, collaborating with other health care professionals to provide comprehensive care to patients. The overall purpose of clinicians is to promote the health and well-being of the individuals they serve, and to help them to achieve the best possible outcomes.