Peer Support Services
Program Description
Peer Support Services are designed for consumers to promote skills for coping with and managing psychiatric symptoms while facilitating the utilization of natural resources and the enhancement of community living skills. Activities provided by this service emphasize the opportunity for peer-to-peer interactions to support each other in the restoration and expansion of skills and strategies necessary to move forward in recovery.
Who Provides Services
Peer Support is provided by Certified Peer Specialists (CPS) who are supervised by a full-time Program Manager and Qualified Mental Health Professional. All direct service staff are trained in the strengths approach model, and many have specialty areas of training.
Services Provided
- Peer Support Services is comprised of support and assistance by utilizing the Five Stages of Recovery.
- Helping the consumer to develop a network for support from naturally occurring community resources and consumer run services.
- Assisting the consumer with regaining the ability to make independent choices, and to take a proactive role in their treatment.
- Assisting the consumer with identifying, responding to, or avoiding precursors and triggers.
- Services provided are determined in the treatment plan with a focus on gradual decreased utilization.
- Individual Peer Support is available to those who wish to receive services, and who qualify.
- Peer Support Groups are facilitated at CARE, Logan House, Roosevelt House, and the Crisis Residence Monday through Friday.
- Wichita State University instructs a course designed to train consumers in the skills necessary to enter the workforce as a peer support specialist.
Admission Criteria
- Adults (over 18) who live in Shawnee County.
- Individuals who have a Severe and Persistent Mental Illness (SPMI) are eligible.
- Individuals who request Peer Support Services and demonstrate a need for the services provided.
- Peer Support Services are covered by Kansas Medicaid for qualified members.
- Qualified people not eligible for services are informed of the reasons along with the referral source.
- Recommendations are made for alternative services (e.g., Breakthrough Clubhouse, Sunshine Connection, Sheltered Living).
Program Goals
- To learn new skills that increase symptom management
- To increase social support networks
- Decrease rates of hospitalizations
- To develop or maintain social functioning
Location and Service Access
The program is located at 2401 SW 6th Street, Topeka Kansas 66606. Services are provided in the community or in the mental health center.
Hours of Operation
Monday-Sunday, 8:00am – 10:00pm.