Two national surveys are underway in an effort to gather information about the number of Certified Peer Specialists, their characteristics, and career development. One is a survey of state certification entities and the other is open to broad participation by individuals peer specialists. The surveys are co-sponsored by five peer-led and/or supporting organizations: the International Association of Peer Supporters (iNAPS), the Mental Health Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania (MHASP), the National Empowerment Center, Inc. (NEC), the National Mental Health Consumers’ Self-Help Clearinghouse, and the STAR Center.
Dr. Jessica Wolf, Senior Consultant for the Coalition
State certification survey
The certification entities in all 50 States, the District of Columbia and the Veterans Administration are participating in an online survey to determine the numbers of mental health Certified Peer Specialists (CPS), as well as CPS demographic and related characteristics. Survey results will be widely shared and used to develop policies and practices regarding peer specialist employment, career ladders, and career development. Survey co-principal investigators are Jessica Wolf, Ph.D. and Nev Jones, Ph.D. For information, please contact [email protected].
Peer specialist career development survey
A national online research survey of behavioral health peer specialists’ career development experiences and goals is underway through the University of Illinois at Chicago, with more than 800 participants to date. The survey asks about advancement opportunities, work climate, and perceptions of discrimination and stigma. Interested peer workers and specialists are invited to participate at http://www.ghpcd.org/survey.html. Cherise Rosen, Ph.D. of the University of Illinois at Chicago is primary investigator ([email protected] ); co-principal investigators are Nev Jones, Ph.D., Research Scientist at the Mental Health Services Oversight & Accountability Commission in California ([email protected]) and Jessica Wolf, Ph.D., Annapolis Coalition Senior Consultant.