* 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

Characteristics of peer providers

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

Characteristics of mental health service delivery system

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

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Peer support is social emotional support that is mutually offered or provided by persons having a mental health condition to others sharing a similar mental health condition to bring about a desired social or personal change. 

Peer support

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.

An individual with severe mental illness who is or was receiving mental health services and who self-identifies as such. 

Peer

Self-help groups

Internet support groups

Peer delivered services 

Categories of peer support

A variety of psychosocial processes tried to explain why peer support is so beneficial to individuals with a severe psychiatric diagnosis.

Underlying psychosocial processes of peer support

Peer support/peer provided services have resulted in benefits to peer recipients, peer providers, and to the mental health service delivery system.

Benefits derived from peer support/peer provided services

Critical ingredients of peer provided services 

* Boundaries
* Power
* Stress for peer support workers
* Accountability
* Maintaining peer support workers' distinct role

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