Benefits of working as a certified peer specialist: results from a statewide survey.

OBJECTIVE Certified peer specialists (CPSs) are an emerging workforce across the United States and are a critical component of recovery-oriented mental health systems. This study examined possible benefits of working as a CPS. METHOD A statewide survey of trained CPSs in Pennsylvania was conducted in Winter/Spring 2010. A total of 271 CPSs responded to the online survey. Data from 154 working CPSs were analyzed. RESULTS Forty-one respondents (28.7%) were not working prior to their CPS employment and 60% of all respondents reported a decrease in Social Security entitlements. Statistically significant reductions were reported in case management, crisis services, and inpatient hospitalizations. Finally, respondents overwhelmingly reported personal, recovery-oriented benefits, and felt that they have a positive impact on their agencies. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE CPS initiatives appear to benefit the individual CPS worker and may result in societal cost savings. These results further expand the potential value of peer-support services.