Peer support in Coordination of Physical and Mental Health Services for People with Lived Experience of a Serious Mental Illness

Abstract

Background: Engaging peer support to augment and enhance traditional mental health services presents novel opportunities to improve service engagement and delivery. However, there has not been an in-depth analysis of the processes and methods behind the coordination of physical health and mental health care by peer support specialists. Study aim: To explore the potential of peer support specialists in community mental health centers and as a means to improve coordination of physical health and mental health services for people with a serious mental illness. Methods: We conducted 28 semi-structured qualitative interviews with peer support specialists and mental healthcare professionals in community mental health centers in two states (blinded for review) in the United States. Data were triangulated to explore peer support specialists and mental health professionals’ perspectives. Results: We found five themes characterizing the role of peer support services in the coordination of physical health and mental health services for individuals with serious mental illness: (1) Advocacy in interprofessional meetings, clinical teams, and advisory councils; (2) Sharing lived experiences and connecting with available resources and services; (3) Preparing for mental health and physical health care visits; (4) Mutuality; and (5) Affiliations, funding, and sustainability of peer support services. Conclusion: This study suggests that peer support specialists can uniquely contribute to the coordination of physical health and mental health services for individuals with serious mental illness.