Youth Peer Support Services
Youth Peer Support Services are provided by trained specialists who use their own lived experience with mental health or recovery challenges during youth to support others on their journey.
A Youth Peer Support Specialist connects with youth in a relatable, peer-to-peer way—offering encouragement, practical tools, and real-world support. Rather than acting as a clinician or therapist, a peer specialist walks alongside young people to help them build hope, resilience, and confidence while working toward their personal goals.
Services are non-clinical and focus on helping youth build skills, strengthen natural supports, and succeed in their community.
Youth Peer Support may be provided in person or via telehealth, and may occur at home, in the community, or in an agency setting.
Who Youth Peer Support Is For
Youth ages 12–17 who may benefit from support from someone who has had similar lived experience.
Youth who:
- Are experiencing mental health challenges or co-occurring conditions
- Want encouragement and support from someone relatable
- Are building skills for recovery, resilience, and independence
- May feel isolated and want to connect with supportive peers
- Want help navigating services, school, or community resources
Youth Peer Support may be recommended by a licensed professional when it can help a youth strengthen social, emotional, and personal wellness.
What Youth Peer Support Can Help With
Hope & empowerment
- Sharing lived experience and recovery stories
- Encouraging confidence and resilience
Goal setting
- Identifying what matters most to the youth
- Creating strengths-based recovery and wellness goals
Skills & coping tools
- Managing stress and emotions
- Building routines and healthy habits
- Developing resilience and self-confidence
Connection & community
- Building friendships and support networks
- Reducing isolation
Navigation & resources
- Connecting with helpful services and supports
- Learning how to advocate for personal needs
Support with services
- Encouraging participation in helpful services or programs
How It Works
Getting started
A Youth Peer Support Specialist will explain the service and ensure it feels like a good fit.
Setting goals
Within the first month, the youth and peer specialist will identify at least one self-directed goal.
Ongoing support
Regular meetings focus on progress, skill-building, encouragement, and connection to resources.
Team collaboration
With permission, peer specialists may coordinate with family members, therapists, schools, or other supports.
Groups
Youth Peer Support may also be offered in small group settings, where youth can:
- Share experiences and learn from each other
- Build social confidence
- Develop supportive peer relationships
- Hear recovery stories and build hope
- Explore personal goals and future directions
Groups are non-clinical and peer-led.
Boundaries & Safety
Youth Peer Support is non-clinical and is not therapy or medical care. It complements other mental health services.
Peer specialists do not provide crisis services.
If you are experiencing a crisis, call 911 or the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.
Access & Scheduling
- Available in person or via telehealth
- Services may occur at home, in the community, or in an agency setting
- Medicaid and other funding options may be available
- Referrals from providers or families are accepted
Contact us to learn more about eligibility and scheduling.