Interest or Referral
A general inquiry, authorized referral, or internal handoff is received. Urgency, privacy, and fit are routed appropriately.
Completion evidenceReceipt logged; no PHI through ordinary public forms.
A transparent participant pathway
How Peer Support Works
The pathway is simple enough to understand and disciplined enough to audit: role clarity, person choice, small actions, verified outcomes, and a plan for independence rather than permanent dependence.
Role Explanation & Choice
The participant hears what peer support is, what it is not, how privacy works, and whether participation is voluntary.
Completion evidenceRole and consent understood; preferred contact method recorded.
Matching & First Conversation
When the model permits, practical fit, identity/preferences, schedule, language, and participant choice guide matching.
Completion evidenceFirst contact completed or documented re-match/next action.
Recovery Vision & Support Map
The participant names strengths, goals, current barriers, safe people, professional/community supports, and warning signs.
Completion evidenceParticipant-owned priorities and support map established.
72-Hour Action
The peer and participant select one to three small actions with owner, due point, barrier plan, and proof of completion.
Completion evidenceAction is specific enough to verify.
Practice & Closed-Loop Follow-Through
The person practices a call, script, routine, meeting, resource connection, or community action; the peer coaches without taking over.
Completion evidenceOutcome verified and next action documented.
Review, Repair & Transition
Progress and setbacks are reviewed without humiliation. Natural supports grow, intensity may taper, and future re-entry is explained.
Completion evidenceTransition plan, ongoing supports, and unresolved risks/barriers handed off.
Choice
The participant owns the goals and may decline a peer suggestion. Support is not a lever for treatment, housing, employment, or belonging.
Small steps
A useful plan can survive Tuesday afternoon. Actions are sized for the person’s current capacity, not the worker’s impatience.
Repair
Missed actions are studied, not weaponized. The peer helps name the barrier, repair the relationship, and build a more realistic next move.
Urgent and emergency needs do not wait for the ordinary peer pathway.
For immediate danger call 911. For suicide or emotional crisis support in the United States, call or text 988. Follow active provider safety instructions and emergency plans when applicable.
Know who is responsible
Before a partner handoff, clarify which organization provides the next activity, how information may be shared, and when the connection will be confirmed.