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Challenges Experienced by Paid Peer Providers in Mental Health Recovery: A Qualitative Study

Community Mental Health Journal volume 49, pages 281–291 (2013)Cite this article

Abstract

Peer providers are increasingly employed in mental health services. We explored challenges experienced by 31 peer providers in diverse settings and roles using in-depth interviews, as part of a larger study focusing on their recovery (Moran et al. in Qual Health Res, 2012). A grounded theory approach revealed three challenge domains: work environment, occupational path, and personal mental health. Challenges in the work environment differed between conventional mental health settings and consumer-run agencies. Occupational domain challenges included lack of clear job descriptions, lack of skills for using one’s life story and lived experience, lack of helping skills, and negative aspects of carrying a peer provider label. Personal mental health challenges included overwork and symptom recurrence. Implications for all domains are discussed, with focus on training and skill development.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Community Mental Health, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel

    Galia S. Moran

  2. Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA

    Zlatka Russinova, Vasudha Gidugu & Cheryl Gagne

Authors
  1. Galia S. Moran
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  2. Zlatka Russinova
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  3. Vasudha Gidugu
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  4. Cheryl Gagne
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Correspondence to Galia S. Moran.

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Moran, G.S., Russinova, Z., Gidugu, V. et al. Challenges Experienced by Paid Peer Providers in Mental Health Recovery: A Qualitative Study. Community Ment Health J 49, 281–291 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-012-9541-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-012-9541-y

Keywords

  • Consumer providers
  • Mental illnesses
  • Job development
  • Workforce integration