Center for Peer Support

NEW! Announcing MHA's National Certified Peer Specialist Credential

After years of development, Mental Health America is proud to announce the release of our MHA National Certified Peer Specialist (NCPS) credential. This first national advanced credential lets peers show they have the highest levels of knowledge and experience to create new opportunities in public and private settings. Having the NCPS credentials shows employers they are getting the best. Read more here.

Whether you identify as a consumer or a provider, are trying to enhance your skills, or are just interested in learning more, the Center for Peer Support contains information and promotional materials on certification, peer support, peer-run programs, support groups, and current research on the efficacy of peer support.

At MHA, we know peers are an essential component of recovery-oriented systems. Peer support changes lives and has the power to transform communities and services. Through the Center for Peer Support, our mission is to promote peer support in all aspects of healthcare; to provide access to the latest information on programs and evidence in peer support; to offer resources for peers; and to help grow and expand the peer workforce. 

MHA National Certified Peer Specialist Credential-- Get Certified! 

To meet the growing demand for peers, MHA has developed the first national advanced peer specialist certification. The high standards let peers show their expertise and experience, which opens new career paths and more opportunities to transform lives and services. Click here to learn more.

What is a Peer?

Peers can make all the difference in a person's recovery, but what is a peer anyway? Learn more about peers and the history and future of peer support in behavioral health here.

Peer Support-- Get the Facts

Peer support works. Check out the latest research and reports.

Support and Resources for Peers

Providing hope, modeling recovery, coaching, engaging, and connecting are just some of the ways peers make a difference in the lives of others.  Read our resources on the unique opportunities, strengths, and challenges that come with working in peer support here.

MHA Peer Programs 

Peer support is powerful and must be integrated into all areas of healthcare. Consumers and people with lived experience can make all the difference. Learn about some of the ways MHA is innovating in the field of peer support.

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Other Resources

• An Open Letter to the Peer Community
• Hendry, P. (September 2016). The Next Step for Peer Support. Presented at the iNAPS Conference.
• A Single National Standard for Peer Specialist Certification (Correction: Mental Health America does not have an agreement with INAPS.)