There's a great deal of research 'out there' on peer-to-peer support. Unfortunately, some of it is less than ideal because it starts with a hypothesis that doesn't represent full understanding of what peer-to-peer support is intended to be. It's also worth noting that those that are able to do the research that establishes 'evidence-based' practices are often those with resources, and so many small pockets of greatness are going on that still haven't been recognized. However, regardless of which study is better than the other or who might be getting overlooked in the research process, there is consensus across the board. Peer-to-peer support can make a difference. Below are a number of articles that may be helpful if you are looking for the research that promotes this work. For some, we have on-line links. For others, we just have the information for you to use as a guide in looking for articles yourself. We will add more links as we find them. (Have an article focused on research/evidence that you think we should add? E-mail us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
First, here are a few useful tools if you're in a place to want to demonstrate that peer-to-peer support has been widely accepted as an 'evidence-based practice.':
1. Letter from Medicaid acknowledging that peer support is a 'best practice': http://cosb.countyofsb.org/uploadedFiles/admhs_new/resources/Systems_Change/Peer_Action_Team/CMS-8-15-07.pdf
2. SAMHSA Powerpoint acknowledging that peer support is an 'evidence-based practice0: http://promoteacceptance.samhsa.gov/archtelpdf/PeerSupport_Presentation.pdf
Articles:
- Bergeson, S. (n.d.) Cost effectiveness of using peer providers. Retrieved from: http://bit.ly/1lbypF7
- Bologna, M.J., Pulice, R.T., (2011). Evaluation of a Peer-Run Hospital Diversion Program: A Descriptive Study. American Journal of Psychiatric Rehabilitation, 14 (4): 272-286. http://www.researchgate.net/publication/239791535_Evaluation_of_a_Peer-Run_Hospital_Diversion_Program_A_Descriptive_Study
- Bouchard, L., Montreuil, M., Gros, C. (2010). Peer support among inpatients in an adult mental health setting. Issues in Mental Health Nursing. 31:589-598. DOI: 10.3109/01612841003793049. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20701422
- Bradstreet, S. (2006) Harnessing the ‘lived experience’. Formalising peer support approaches to promote recovery. The Mental Health Review.Vol 11, 2, 33-37. http://api.ning.com/files/UXDw2p8stcJmG5A0m1-AgOCpGFYR299Afo0wIii4AVrj63QOynYkwfp*cmC13iVbKpxrZht4catnXK-U3ZLMjOqk6fjKLNy-/FormalisingPeersupportapproachestopromoterecoverySimonBradstreetMentalHealthReview2006.pdf
- Campbell, J., Lichtenstein, C., Teague, G., Banks, S., Sonnefeld J., Johnsen, M., Zempolich, K., & COSP Steering Committee. (2004). Consumer-operated services program (COSP) multi-site research initiative: Overview and preliminary findings. Presentation to Alternatives Conference, October 16, 2004. http://www.power2u.org/downloads/COSPVAREPORT.pdf
- Chinman, M., et al. Peer Support Services for Individuals with Serious Mental Illness: Assessing the Evidence. (2014.) Psychiatric Services in Advance. http://www.rand.org/pubs/external_publications/EP51719.html
- Chinman M, Rosenheck R, Lam J. (2000) Comparing consumer and non-consumer provided case management services for homeless persons with serious mental illness. J NervMent Dis.188:446–453. http://journals.lww.com/jonmd/Abstract/2000/07000/Comparing_Consumer_and_Nonconsumer_Provided_Case.9.aspx
- Chinman, M. J., Weingarten, R., Stayner, D., Davidson, L. (2001) Chronicity Reconsidered. Improving Person-Environment Fit Through a Consumer-Run Service. Community Mental Health Journal.Vol 37, 3, 215-229. http://www.rand.org/pubs/external_publications/EP20010608.html
- Chinman M, Young AS, Hassell J. (2006) Toward the implementation of mental health consumer provider services. J Behav Health Serv Res. 2006;33:176–195. http://www.researchgate.net/publication/7135179_Toward_the_implementation_of_mental_health_consumer_provider_services
- Clarke GN, Herincks HA, Kinney RF. (2000) Psychiatric hospitalizations, arrests, emergency room visits, and homelessness of clients with serious and persistent mental illness: findings from a randomized trial of two ACT programs vs. usual care. Ment Health Serv Res. 2:155–164. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11256724
- Cook, J.A., Copeland, M.E., Corey, L., Buffington, E., Jonikas, J.A., Curtis, L.C., Grey, D.D., & Nichols, W.H. (2010). Developing the evidence base for peer-led services: Changes among participants following Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP) education in two statewide initiatives. Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal. 34(2):113-120. https://copelandcenter.com/resources/developing-evidence-base-peer-led-services-changes-among-participants-following-wrap
- Cook, J.A., Peer-Delivered Wellness Recovery Services: From Evidence to Widespread Implementation, Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal, Vol. 35, No. 2, 201. http://www.gmhcn.org/files/Judith_Cook_peer_delivered_services_article.pdf
- Corrigan, P. (2006). Impact of consumer operated services on empowerment & recovery of people with psychiatric disabilities. Psychiatric Services 57(10): 1493-1496. http://www.researchgate.net/publication/6758975_Impact_of_consumer-operated_services_on_empowerment_and_recovery_of_people_with_psychiatric_disabilities
- Daniels, A., Grant, E., Filson, B., Powell, I., Fricks, L., Goodale, L., (eds), (2010) Pillars of Peer Support: Transforming Mental Health Systems of Care, Through Peer Support Services, www.pillarsofpeersupport.org; January, 2010. http://parecovery.org/documents/Pillars_of_Peer_Support.pdf
- Davidson, L, Belamy, C., Guy, K and Miller, R. (2012) Peer support among persons with severe mental illnesses: a review of evidence and experience. World Psychiatry. Jun 2012; 11(2): 123–128. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1016/j.wpsyc.2012.05.009/full
- Davidson L, Chinman M, Sells D. (2006) Peer support among adults with serious mental illness: a report from the field. Schizophr Bull. 32:443–450. http://schizophreniabulletin.oxfordjournals.org/content/32/3/443.full
- Davidson L, Shahar G, Stayner DA. (2004) Supported socialization for people with psychiatric disabilities: lessons from a randomized controlled trial. J Commun Psychol. 32:453–477. http://psychsource.bps.org.uk/details/journalArticle/3199031/Supported-socialization-for-people-with-psychiatric-disabilities-Lessons-from-a-.html
- Davidson L. Living outside mental illness: qualitative studies of recovery in schizophrenia. New York: New York University Press; 2003. http://books.google.com/books/about/Living_Outside_Mental_Illness.html?id=BcYyedTfN30C
- Davidson L, Stayner DA, Chinman MJ. (2000) Preventing relapse and readmission in psychosis: using patients’ subjective experience in designing clinical interventions. In: Martindale B, editor. Outcome studies in psychological treatments of psychotic conditions. London: Gaskell; pp. 134–156. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3363389/
- Department of Health (2010b) Putting People First: Planning Together – peer support and self-directed support. London: Department of Health. http://www.helensandersonassociates.co.uk/media/43747/planning%20together%20-%20peer%20support%20and%20self%20directed%20support.pdf
- Dixon, L., Krauss, N. & Lehman, A. (1994). Consumers as service providers: The promise and challenge. Community Mental Health Journal, 30(6), 615-634. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7835046
- Eiken, S., & Campbell, J. (2008). Medicaid coverage of peer support for people with mental illness: Available research and state examples. Thomson Reuters Healthcare. http://nasuad.org/hcbs/about-hcbs-clearinghouse/history
- Faulkner, A. & Basset, T (2010) A Helping Hand: Consultations with Service Users about Peer Support. London: Together/University of Nottingham/NSUN. http://www.together-uk.org/wp-content/uploads/downloads/2011/11/helpinghand.pdf
- Felton CJ, Stastny P, Shern D. (1995) Consumers as peer specialists on intensive case management teams: impact on client outcomes. Psychiatr Serv. 46:1037–1044. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8829785
- Gillard, S.G., Edwards, C., Gibson, S.L., Owen, K, & Wright, C. (2013). Introducing peer worker roles in UK mental health service teams: A qualitative analysis of the organizational benefits and challenges. BMC Health Services Research, 13 (188). DOI: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6963/13/188
- Greenfield, T.K., Stoneking, B.C., Humphreys, K., Sundby, E., & Bond, J. (2008). A randomized trial of mental health consumer-managed alternatives to civil commitment for acute psychiatric crisis. American Journal of Community Psychology, 41(1):135-144. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2782949/
- Kyrouz, E. M., Humphreys, K., and Loomis, C. (2002). A review of research on the effectiveness of self-help mutual aid groups. In B.J. White and E.J. Madera (Eds.). American self-help clearinghouse self-help sourcebook. 7th ed., 71-85. Cedar Knolls, NJ; American Self-Help Group Clearing House. http://nipspeersupport.org/?page_id=588
- Landers GM, Zhou M. (2011) An analysis of relationships among peer support, psychiatric hospitalization, and crisis stabilization. CommunMent Health. 47:106–112. http://cosb.countyofsb.org/uploadedFiles/admhs_new/resources/Systems_Change/Peer_Action_Team/An%20Analysis%20of%20Relationships.pdf
- Lawn, S, Smith, A., & Hunger, K. (2008). Mental health peer support for hospital avoidance and early discharge; an Australian example of consumer driven and operated service. J Ment Health 2008, 17(5):493-508. http://www.scie-socialcareonline.org.uk/mental-health-peer-support-for-hospital-avoidance-and-early-discharge-an-australian-example-of-consumer-driven-and-operated-service/r/a1CG0000000Gf31MAC
- McDiarmid, D., Rapp, C., & Ratzlaff, S. (2005). Design and initial results from a supported education initiative: The Kansas consumer as provider program. Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal, 29(1): 3-9. http://www.researchgate.net/publication/7683335_Design_and_initial_results_from_a_supported_education_initiative_the_Kansas_Consumer_as_Provider_program
- McLean, J., Biggs, H., Whitehead, I., Pratt, R., Maxwell, M. (2009) Evaluation of the Delivering for Mental Health Peer Support Worker Pilot Scheme. http://www.scottishrecovery.net/View-document-details/293-Evaluation-of-the-Delivering-for-Mental-Health-Peer-Support-Worker-Pilot-Scheme.html
- Mead S, Hilton D, Curtis L. (2001) Peer support: a theoretical perspective. PsychiatrRehabil J. 25:134–14. http://www.mhrecovery.org/var/library/file/18-peersupport.pdf
- Migdole, S., Tondora, J., Silvia, M.A., Barry, A.D., Milligan, J., Mattison, E, Rutledge, W, & Powsner, S. (2011). Exploring new frontiers: Recovery-oriented peer support programming in a psychiatric ED. American Journal of Psychiatric Rehabilitation, 14(1): 1-12. http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/routledg/uapr/2011/00000014/00000001/art00001
- Mowbray, C.T., & Tan, C. (1993). Consumer-operated drop-in centers run by and for psychiatric consumers: Evaluation of operations and impact, Journal of Mental Health Administration, 20, 8-19. http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2FBF02521399
- Nelson, G, Ochocka, J., Janzen, R., Trainer, J., Goering, P., & Lomotey, J. (2007). A longitudinal study of mental health consumer/survivor Initiatives: Part V—Outcomes a 3-year follow-up. Journal of Community Psychology, 35(5):655-665. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jcop.20097/abstract
- O’Donnell M, Parker G, Proberts M. (1999). A study of client-focused case management and consumer advocacy: the Community and Consumer Service Project. Aust N Z J Psychiatry. 33:684–693. http://anp.sagepub.com/content/33/5/684.short
- Ostrow, L, & Leaf, P. (2014). Improving capacity to monitor and support sustainability of mental health peer-run organizations. Psychiatric Services, 65(2):239-241. http://ps.psychiatryonline.org/doi/abs/10.1176/appi.ps.201300187
- Peer Support 101, Alaska Peer Support Consortium (2011). Community Ment Health J. 2012 Aug;48(4):420-30. doi: 10.1007/s10597-012-9507-0. Epub 2012 Mar 30.
- Pfeiffer, P.N., Heisler, M., Piette, J.D., Rogers, M.A.M., & Valenstein, M. (2010). Efficacy of peer support, interventions for depression: A meta-analysis. General Hospital Psychiatry, 33(1), 29-36 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21353125
- Picket SA, Diehl SM, Steigman PJ, Prater JD, Fox A, Shipley P, Grey DD, Cook JA, (2013) Consumer Empowerment and Self Advocacy Outcomes in a Randomized Study of Peer-Led Education. Community Ment Health J. 2012 Aug:48(4):420-30. doi: 10.1007/s10597-012-9507-0. Epub 2012 Mar 30. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22460927
- Pitt, V., Lowe, D., Hill, S., Prictor, M., Hetrick, S.E., Ryan, R., & Berends, L. (2013). Consumer providers of care for adult clients of statutory mental health services (review). John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD004807.pub2/abstract
- Repper, J., & Carter, T. (2011) A review of the literature on peer support in mental health services. J Ment Health, 20(4):392-411. http://cosb.countyofsb.org/uploadedFiles/admhs_new/resources/Systems_Change/Peer_Action_Team/repper.pdf
- Repper, J. & Carter, T. (2010) Using Personal Experience to Support Others with Similar Difficulties: A Review of the Literature on Peer Support in Mental Health Services. London: Together/University of Nottingham/NSUN. http://www.together-uk.org/wp-content/uploads/downloads/2011/11/usingpersexperience.pdf
- Repper, J. & Perkins, R. (2003) Social Inclusion and Recovery: A Model for Mental Health Practice. London: BalliereTindall. http://books.google.com/books/about/Social_inclusion_and_recovery.html?id=tIVQWj_MmSIC
- Resnick, S. & Rosenheck, R.A. (2008). Integrating peer provided services: A quasi-experimental study of recovery orientation, confidence, and empowerment. Psychiatric Services, 59(11): 1307-1314. http://www.vet2vetusa.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=zMVc0XZOAdU%3d&tabid=69
- Rogers, E.S., Teague, G.B., Lichenstein, C., Campbell, J., Lyas, A., Chen, R., & Banks, S. (2007). Effects of participation in consumer-operated service programs on both personal and organizationally mediated empowerment: Results of multisite study. Journal of Rehabilitation Research & Development, 44(6): 785-800. http://www.power2u.org/downloads/JRRD_Rogers_et_al_Effects_of_participation_in_consumer-operated_service_programs.pdf
- Rogers, E.S., et al, Systematic Review of Peer Delivered Services Literature 1989 - 2009, Boston University, Sargent College, Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation, 2009, http://www.bu.edu/drrk/research-syntheses/psychiatric-disabilities/peer-delivered-services/
- Rowe M, Bellamy C, Baranoski M. (2007) Reducing alcohol use, drug use, and criminality among persons with severe mental illness: outcomes of a Group- and Peer-Based Intervention. Psychiatr Serv. 58:955–961. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3363389/
- Sells D, Davidson L, Jewell C. (2006) The treatment relationship in peer-based and regular case management services for clients with severe mental illness. Psychiatr Serv.57:1179–1184. http://www.researchgate.net/publication/6915423_The_treatment_relationship_in_peer-based_and_regular_case_management_for_clients_with_severe_mental_illness
- Shatell, M.M., et al. (2014). A recovery-oriented alternative to hospital emergency departments for persons in emotional distress: “The living room.” Issues Ment Health Nurs., 35(1): 4-12. http://www.power2u.org/downloads/Shatell-et%20al-2014-TLR.pdf
- Simpson, A, et al. (2014). Results of a pilot randomized controlled trial to measure the clinical and cost effectiveness of peer support in increasing hope and quality of life in mental health patients discharged from hospital in the UK. BMC Psychiatry, 14(3). Doi:10.1186/1471-244X-14-303. http://www.biomedcentral.com/content/pdf/1471-244X-14-30.pdf
- Simpson, A. (2013). Collaborators, Not Competitors: Peer Workers and Professionals. Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services. October 2013 - Volume 51: Issue 10:3-4. DOI: 10.3928/02793695-20130910-01. http://www.healio.com/psychiatry/journals/jpn/2013-10-51-10
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- Sledge WH, Lawless M, Sells D. (2011) Effectiveness of peer support in reducing readmissions among people with multiple psychiatric hospitalizations. Psychiatr Serv. 62:541–544. http://cosb.countyofsb.org/uploadedFiles/admhs_new/resources/Systems_Change/Peer_Action_Team/sledge.pdf
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- Spirito Dalgin, R., Maline, S., & Driscoll, P. (2011). Sustaining recovery through the night: Impact of a peer-run warm line. Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal. 35(1):65-68. http://www.medscape.com/medline/abstract/21768081
- Tondora J, O’Connell M, Dinzeo T.(2010) A clinical trial of peer-based culturally responsive person-centered care for psychosis for African Americans and Latinos. Clinical Trials. 7:368–379. http://ctj.sagepub.com/content/early/2010/06/21/1740774510369847.abstract?rss=1
- Van Tosh, L. (1993) Working for a change: Employment of consumers/survivors in the design and provision of services for persons who are homeless and mentally disabled. Rockville, MD, Center for Mental Health Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
- Walker, G., & Bryant, W. (2013). Peer support in adult mental health services: A metasynthesis of qualitative findings. Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal, 36(1): 28-34. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0059368/
- Wexler B, Davidson L, Styron T. (2008) Severe and persistent mental illness. In: Jacobs S, Griffith EEH, eds. 40 years of academic public psychiatry. London: Wiley;pp. 1–20. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/book/10.1002/9780470994580