Peer Support
Who Are Peers?
- Peers are individuals who use their lived experience and formal training to promote the recovery of others.
- A peer can also use their experiential knowledge of mental health recovery to inform and improve research design and investigation
Do Peers Have Training?
In Alabama, peers are trained and certified through the Alabama Department of Mental Health, Office of Peer Programs. Certification requires a 40 hour training program and passing of the certification test. Continuing education is also required.
Where Do Peers Work?
Peers work in many settings including mental health rehabilitation, therapeutic recreation/socialization, transition from inpatient, crisis stabilization and vocational rehabilitation programs
What Do Peers Do?

Whole health, resiliency & an example of recovery

Connecting to resources and networking

Advocacy & systems navigation

Goal setting, coping skills & self-direction

Action Planning for Prevention & Recovery, Peer Support Groups & Warm Line

Recovery dialogues & support groups
Does Peer Support Work?
Research suggests peer support services…
- Reduce inpatient service use
- Improve relationships with providers
- Increase empowerment, hope, and social relations
- Improve patient activation
- Reduce length of stay and crisis and emergency service use
- Enhance personal recovery and perceived recovery orientation of providers for people receiving peer support
Training Programs
For more on how to get certified visit this link:
https://mh.alabama.gov/division-of-mental-health-substance-abuse-services/peer-programs/
Or Contact ADMH Office of Peer Programs at:
Michael B. Autrey, Director
Deborah Pennington, Certified Peer Specialist
Nick Snead, Certified Peer Specialist II
1-800-832-0952 Toll Free
334-242-3456 Montgomery Area
334-242-0796 Fax
Or Contact WIngs Across Alabama at:
Dalana W. Brooks, MA, CPS
Program Director Wings Across Alabama
(251) 244-8339
dalanawbrooks@icloud.com
Together. We Thrive
https://sites.utexas.edu/mental-health-institute/