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 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 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.