Peer Recovery Services
If you’ve ever heard the expression “Walk a mile in my shoes,” you know the essence of peer support services. Peer support empowers people living with behavioral health challenges to receive help from someone who’s “been there.” By sharing their experiences, strengths, knowledge, and hope, Certified Peer Recovery Specialists deliver this evidence-based practice in a method that conveys mutual respect and personal responsibility.
Click this link or image at the right to learn more about peer recovery services in Tennessee.
Tennessee’s Certified Peer Recovery Specialist program provides State certification for individuals who provide direct peer-to-peer support services to others who have mental illness, substance abuse, or co-occurring disorders.
Family Support Specialist Certification Program provides state certification for people who provide direct caregiver-to-caregiver support services to families of children and youth with mental, emotional, behavioral, or co-occurring disorders.
Many young adults have overcome a behavioral health condition or a history of trauma and gone on to embrace a life of recovery, a journey of healing, and a path of wellness. They are ready to utilize their experiences as young adults who have lived through hardship to serve and support others.
Tennessee's certified peer programs came together for the first time for a joint conference in 2023. Catch up with this amazing opportunity by watching archived video of the sessions and get information on the 2024 peer conference when it's available.
Peer Support Centers are places where people with mental illness and substance use disorders can learn about recovery, find peer support, and have fun—all for free. The friends you make there will become like family to you.
A listing of Tennessee's 45 peer support centers. Find location, contact information, and center hours.
Are you someone who struggles with mental illness and/or substance abuse? Would you like to talk to someone who understands? Call the Peer Recovery Call Center. The Peer Recovery Call Center helps those who struggle with mental illness or substance abuse.
Training Guide for CPRS’s and Other Peers
Tennessee is fortunate to have many free trainings available to peer staff statewide. This Training Guide provides information on 16 different trainings that are ideal for peers.
The Consumer Advisory Board has been a voice for recovery in Tennessee since 1994. The mission of the Consumer Advisory Board is to voice an informed perspective on policy and planning issues that impacts the recovery, resiliency, and rights of persons with mental illness and substance use disorder.
The State of Tennessee is embarking on a new project for 16-25 year olds who are transitioning into adulthood and who have lived experience with mental illness, substance abuse, foster care, juvenile justice, and/or is at-risk of being homeless. Youth and young adults who have "been there" and who have a passion to help others are needed to drive this movement!
Peer Intensive Care Services
Peer Intensive Care Specialists are CPRS who use the power of peer support to improve outcomes for Tennesseans admitted to either a Regional Mental Health Institute or a Crisis Stabilization Unit.
My Health My Choice My Life’s Peer Wellness Coaches promote healthier behaviors by facilitating holistic, evidence-based curriculums such as Chronic Disease, Diabetes, and Chronic Pain Self-Management Workshops, WHAM, NEW-R, and Tobacco Free Workshops, and one-on-one Peer Wellness Coaching to help participants achieve their wellness goals.
Art for Awareness
Art for Awareness is an annual event that brings together talented Tennesseans in recovery.
CPRS Stories
Learn how Certified Peer Recovery Specialists in Tennessee are putting their lived experience and their certification to work to help improve the lives of others.