PEER BRIDGER PROGRAM
The Peer Bridger Program is an evidence-based intervention aimed at improving outpatient service engagement, quality of life and reduce re-hospitalization rates after discharge from psychiatric hospitals. Peer Bridger Services are provided by State Certified Peer Support Specialists who have lived experiences with mental health and substance use challenges. Peer Bridger Services links individuals with Peer Support Specialists who provide information and resources, and work to create a trusting relationship and help people who have been hospitalized stay motivated for recovery.
​
Certification for peer support specialist involves participation in a 40-hour training that focuses on recovery and wellness management. Peer Support Specialists help each individual identify his or her needs, strengths, abilities, and preferences. They support goal achievement and recovery.
​
“Everyone has the ability to change and live a healthy lifestyle.”
PEER BRIDGER SERVICES​
​
-
Support growth in the areas of self-help
-
Support growth in the areas of system advocacy
-
Provide pre-crisis and post Crisis support
-
Assist with developing Individualized crisis plan
-
Development of a Psychiatric Advance Directive (PAD).
-
Development of a Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP)
-
Provide support during meetings with providers
-
Assisting the individual with learning how to find and maintain stable housing
-
Support to facilitate growth in the areas of independent living skills.
-
Assisting the individual in gaining information about going back to school or job training
-
Help build natural supports
-
Build peer relationships in a social setting for social skills maintenance and enhancement.
-
Use Recovery philosophies and principles
-
Utilize Motivational Interviewing
-
Utilizes and supports learning in Illness Self-Management
-
Guided by Trauma-Informed Care Model and Principles
-
Supports
-
Liaisons
-
Guides
-
Helpers
-
Motivators
-
Encouragers
-
Listening ears
-
Promoters of recovery
-
Promote trauma-informed care