This year has been such a reminder to all of us that we need to be supported and connected. But what if you’re struggling to find the right person to talk to? Enter warmlines. Warmlines were created to give you support when you just need to talk to someone. And you don’t need to be actively struggling or in a crisis to give them a call. They’re just ready to support in whatever way they can — even if it’s just lending an ear while you talk Need Support? Call our Warm Line tod

SAMHSA has released the “Behavioral Health Workforce Report,” which documents effective mental and substance use disorder treatment models and pertinent staffing needs – as part of the agency’s goal to increase access to evidence-based mental and substance use disorder care. Recommendation #5: Conclusion: The discussion of the behavioral health workforce should also take into account the important role of peers in the treatment and the recovery process. Recently, there has be

Researchers at Boston University’s Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation, in collaboration with the National Association of Peer Supporters (NAPS), conducted a survey of US-based Peer Support Specialists from May 18, 2020-June 22, 2020 in order to assess the impact of the novel coronavirus/COVID-19 on the peer support workforce, including job tasks, challenges and supports. A total of 1,280 peer support specialists (paid and volunteer) qualified for, consented and responded t

Find tools that help: Navigate your unique journey from screening to supports. Screening 2 Supports: an interactive online space providing resources and supports for individuals to better their mental health in four domains: information and psychoeducation (“Learn”); information about treatment options and referrals to care (“Treatment”); do-it-yourself tools (“DIY”); and online engagement with peers (“Connect”). Learn more here. #WISEwednesday #MentalHealth #screening #tools

The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections (DOC) is providing cutting-edge services to address the increasing needs for mental health services for inmates by instituting one of the first comprehensive Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPS) programs in a prison setting in the United States. The DOC, under the leadership of Secretary John Wetzel, has made significant strides toward improving mental health care for incarcerated individuals with mental illness. Implementation of

This study aims to define the organizational setting and roles of peer providers in the contemporary behavioral health workforce using information on scopes of practice for peer recovery specialists and data from SAMHSA's National Mental Health Services Survey and National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services to determine what type of mental health and SUD treatment facilities are employing peer providers. Check out the full report. #WISEwednesday #PeerSupport #Behavi

Read this before you dial 911 during an encounter with someone experiencing severe symptoms of mental illness. Indicators of someone experiencing a crisis can include threats to harm themselves or others, an inability to care for themselves, and extreme behaviors or emotions. Someone experiencing psychosis may also talk to themselves, either coherently or incoherently. But these are not necessarily a sign that the person is in immediate danger. Calling 911, particularly when