Year: 2020 Source: Alexandria, VA: Author. (2018). [9] p. SIEC No: 20200024

Peer support is an evidence-based practice for individuals with mental health conditions or challenges. Both quantitative and qualitative evidence indicate that peer support lowers the overall cost of mental health services by reducing re-hospitalization rates and days spent in inpatient services, increasing the use of outpatient services. Peer support improves quality of life, increases and improves engagement with services, and increases whole health and self-management. This document identifies key outcomes of per support services over a range of studies differentiated by program, geographic location, and year. Though many of the studies and programs listed below have some major programmatic differences, one thing is the same – they all demonstrate the value of peer support.