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.