Peer Wellness

Peer Support services are offered by individuals who have lived experiences with mental health and/or substance use challenges. Each Peer Specialist (PSS, PWS, or CRM) goes through an intensive state-approved training program that teaches them to use their lived experience to provide advocacy and support for other individuals with similar challenges. Peer Support services promote engagement in therapeutic and wellness activities, both of which help participants reach their goals.

Since Peer Specialists have lived experience, they are living proof that it is possible for people to recover from mental health and/or substance use challenges. Peer Specialists help participants navigate the complex health care system, and offer strengths-based, person-directed support as they access services for whole health (including behavioral, primary care and housing).

To receive support from a Peer Support Specialist, Peer Wellness Specialist, or Certified Recovery Mentor, current Cascadia clients have a few options:

  • Call their Cascadia Health Center to get on a list for support
  • Visit one of Cascadia’s Resource Rooms at the Health Centers and receive walk-in support
  • Talk with your provider (therapist, doctor, case manager) about getting a referral

If not a Cascadia client, please contact our Cascadia Access, Information & Referral (CAIR) line at 503-674-7777 (Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

Peer Wellness Training Program

Do you have lived experience with mental health and/or substance use issues and want to help others by becoming a Peer Wellness or Peer Support Specialist?

Ideal candidates self-identify that they have received or are currently receiving psychiatric services, have a personal understanding of mental health recovery, have the desire to help others, and are committed to their own wellness and self-care.

Cascadia has historically offered trainings for both Peer Support Specialist (PSS) and Peer Wellness Specialist (PWS) certifications. Currently, we are working to organize and plan for future trainings. Dates for our next training have not yet been finalized, and we do not anticipate offering any trainings during the remainder of 2024. However, we encourage you to check back in the fall of 2024 for updates. We hope to begin offering these training programs in 2025. Applications will not be accepted until future training dates have been established.

Contact

For questions about peer services: Email peer.wellness@cascadiahealth.org.

For questions about Cascadia’s trainings: Email peer.trainings@cascadiahealth.org.

You can also call Cascadia at 503-238-0769 for general questions.

If you are interested in attending a training through another approved provider, you can find information on the Oregon Health Authority’s webpage on THW (Traditional Health Worker) Training Programs.