Research

Exploring the Impact of Peer Support

Intentional Peer Support (IPS) is a trauma-informed, peer-delivered training and supervision model used in many peer respites and other crisis services settings. Based on a detailed peer-developed training program, IPS uses reciprocal relationships to redefine help; practitioners aim to build community-oriented supports rather than create formal service relationships (Copeland & Mead, 2008).

Where is IPS used?

IPS is increasingly adopted in many community and mental health service settings, including peer respites and more traditional mental health programs. Here are some examples of programs using IPS in the United States that span different degrees of control and involvement by peers:

• Parachute NYC in New York, NY (primarily “non-peer” provider-driven programs)
• 2nd Story Peer Respite in Santa Cruz, CA (peer-operated program with peers working in direct support but not program administration)
• Wildflower Alliance in Massachusetts (a grassroots Peer Support, Advocacy, and Training organization with a focus on harm reduction and human rights)

Evidence for Effectiveness of IPS in a Peer Respite Setting

Peer respites are voluntary, short-term residential programs designed to support individuals experiencing or at risk of a psychiatric crisis. Core peer support values of mutuality and equality may be particularly important in crisis support when people are feeling vulnerable or unstable.

2nd Story is a peer respite located in Santa Cruz, California. All 2nd Story Staff identify as peers who have lived experience of the mental health system. Staff members are trained in Intentional Peer Support. The evaluation of 2nd Story showed that:

• Respite guests were 70% less likely to use inpatient and emergency services compared to a similar group of people who did not use the respite (Croft & Isvan, 2015); and
• Respite program satisfaction was high: After respite stays, users were more likely to endorse being able to “deal with crisis” and “deal effectively with daily problems” than before (p < .001) (Fletcher et al, 2020).

Because of the use of IPS at the 2nd Story peer respite, we can make a reasonable conclusion at this time that IPS is a contributing factor to the positive results of this evaluation. Additionally, peer support more generally has a strong evidence base for reducing emergency services use and increasing service satisfaction, quality of life, and empowerment outcomes. Results from other evaluations of IPS are forthcoming.

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