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.

Peer recovery support services

Peer recovery coaches provide peer recovery support services as part of a client's treatment team for mental health and substance use concerns. The guidance they share improves treatment outcomes.  

Peer recovery coaches have lived through mental health and substance use challenges. Their work is informed by their individual or affected family member experiences and the training they receive in how to support others.

Peer recovery support services may be provided in outpatient, residential, and inpatient settings, including crisis services programs, Comprehensive Community Services programs, Community Support Programs, and overdose treatment programs.

Providers must follow the standards for peer recovery support services listed in Wis. Admin. Code ch. DHS 72.

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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 crisis survey results

In 2023, the Division of Care and Treatment Services invited peers to answer questions on their peer identity, overall peer work experiences, and their perspectives and experiences related to working in services that support people experiencing mental health and substance use emergencies. This survey is part of ongoing work to promote the use of peers in crisis services.

A report, Peers in Crisis Services: Results of a 2023 State Survey (PDF), was published in 2024.