Peer Recovery Specialist Support Services

Recovery Process

Recovery is a journey of change where people improve their health and wellness, take control of their lives, and work toward reaching their full potential. It is based on the belief that everyone who faces challenges with mental health, trauma, or substance use can recover. Having support, especially peer support, makes long-term recovery more likely. Research shows that peer support is highly effective (SAMHSA).

What is Peer Support?

Peer support happens when people who have been through similar experiences help each other. They offer understanding, respect, and encouragement because they know what it’s like. The connection between people who share these experiences removes the usual power imbalance seen in traditional healthcare roles. When people feel a connection with others "like" them, it creates a deeper understanding and builds strong relationships based on shared experiences.

As SAMHSA says, "Peer support is when people who share these comparable experiences offer each other encouragement, empathy, hope, consideration, respect, and empowerment from the vantage point of experiential understanding."

Certified Peer Recovery Specialists (CPRS)

In Virginia, Peer Recovery Specialists can help others with or without certification. At MPNN BH Peer Recovery Services, we employ Certified Peer Recovery Specialists (CPRSs) or those in training to become certified. CPRSs have personal experience with recovery, either through their own journey or through supporting a loved one.

CPRSs offer a unique perspective by sharing their own recovery experiences, helping others find resources, and supporting them in making their own decisions. They help people see their strengths, rights, and dignity while guiding them toward their goals.