Peer Services
Sometimes, the best remedy for mental health and substance use challenges is the attention of someone who understands. That's what peer services are all about. People with similar life experiences supporting each other in reaching their full potential.
Wisconsin’s network of peer services includes statewide options for support by phone, drop in, and overnight stays.
Peer-run warmline
The statewide peer-run warmline, UpliftWI, provides peer support over the phone at 534-202-5438 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, including holidays
Peer recovery centers
Peer recovery centers offer drop-in opportunities for peer support. No appointment is necessary.
Peer-run respites
Peer-run respites offer peer support during scheduled overnight stays.
Peer specialist certifications
Many people receive peer services through trained peer providers. There are two types of peer specialist certifications in Wisconsin.
- Certified peer specialist: An individual with experience in the mental health and substance use services system trained to provide support to others struggling to find a path to recovery.
- Certified parent peer specialist: An individual with experience raising a child with behavioral health challenges trained to utilize their experience navigating services in support of other parents.
Learn more about peer specialist certifications in Wisconsin.
Peer survey results
In 2023, we invited peers to answer questions related to their work experiences, with 589 peers answering some or all of the questions. The survey results are being used to identify areas of opportunity to support the peer workforce. The data is also being used to ensure peers are part of the service delivery system, especially services for people experiencing a mental health and substance use emergency.
View highlights from the 2023 peer survey (PDF).
A full report on the survey results is expected to be published no later than December 2024.