A community needs a fair number of each type of peer services, that are geographically dispersed such that they are easily accessible to most people with severe psychiatric disorders.

Diversity and accessibility of types/categories of peer provided services

Since the needs of persons with severe mental illness are multiple and complex, peer provided services need to represent cultural diversity and mirror the demands of the service environment.

Reflect cultural diversity of the community

Peer provided services function as an alternative to traditional mental health services by serving individuals who might not otherwise receive mental health services.

Availability of adjunctive and alternative peer provided services

* Diversity and accessibility of types/categories of peer provided services 
* Reflect cultural diversity of the community
* Availability of adjunctive and alternative peer provided services

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

* Service elements
* Characteristics of peer providers
* Characteristics of mental health service delivery system

Critical ingredients of peer provided services 

Solomon, P. (2004). Peer support/peer provided services underlying processes, benefits, and critical ingredients. Psychiatric rehabilitation journal, 27(4), 392. https://doi.org/10.2975/27.2004.392.401

Peer support/peer provided services underlying processes, benefits, and critical ingredients.

* Use of experiential learning process
* Use of mutual benefit
* Use of natural social support
* Voluntary nature of the service
* Primary control of service by individuals with psychiatric disorders

Service elements

* Experience with mental health service delivery system
* Stable and in recovery
* Not current substance abuser or dependent

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