The Clinical, Economic and Patient Benefits of Peer Specialists in the Management of Persons with Depression

Docuseries

Even amongst patients who do seek treatment for their depression, over half do not receive adequate care. Nonadherence and early medication discontinuation are common, and the underlying reasons are varied. Past efforts to improve treatment persistence have yielded only modest success. However, most experts agree that clinical strategies are often rendered with an incomplete understanding of the complex barriers patients are facing in their daily lives.

Considering these challenges, many health systems have augmented their workforce to include peer specialists who work in complement to the clinical team. These workers are individuals with the lived experience of a mental health condition who provide support to others experiencing similar challenges. They provide non-clinical, strengths-based support and in addition to having direct experience, are trained through credentialed programs. Their inclusion as part of the healthcare workforce can help break down barriers of experience and understanding, as well as “power dynamics” between patient and provider that may impede optimal management.

In this activity, clinical specialists and patients share firsthand accounts on the benefits of having peer specialists work in complement to the treatment team and provide best practices on steps to integrate these team members, from training requirements and competencies to roles and job structures.

Faculty: Karen G. Rentas, PhD, Lauren Yang, PsyD, Jennifer D. Adkison, Sharon T. Chen

Release Date: September 05, 2025

Expiration Date: September 05, 2026