With funding from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research, we conducted a three-year, national study of employment outcomes of individuals who obtained a certified peer specialist (CPS) credential. CPSs are mental health workers who have a psychiatric history and use this lived experience, plus formal training, to support other people.
We partnered with the University of Illinois at Chicago Center on Mental Health Services Research & Policy and the Temple University Collaborative on Community Inclusion of Individuals with Psychiatric Disabilities. This project officially ended in 2022. Thanks to everyone who participated over the three years of the study!
What made this study unique?
Using an observational prospective cohort design, this research study stayed connected over several years with certified peer specialists to see what and how things may change after certification. It was unique in that we included people who completed a CPS credential but were working in other industries and jobs. Previous studies have focused exclusively on CPS who provide peer support services.
This event was hosted by SAMHSA and led by Laysha Ostrow, Ph.D., who discusses some of the results from the CPS Career Outcomes Study.
Who was in the study?
Our study results represent diverse experiences of certification and work. The sample includes peer specialist not working for pay, and recent CPS grads who are critical of certification or have had negative experiences of work. Research studies should include people who are representative of the diversity of the group so the results can help everyone.
Why was this research done?
The goal of this study was to understand how the CPS certification process contributes to new graduates’ employment outcomes and opportunities for career advancement, regardless of whether they work in peer support. CPS are an important part of expanding the mental health workforce and providing choices for service users. However, we don’t know what happens to CPS careers after completing training. We want to understand CPS experiences at work, and activities outside of work.
Where can I find the results of this research?
We continue to work on analyzing and publishing all the data we’ve collected, including looking at change over time. Visit our Resource Library or click the links below to read our latest findings on:
Experiences with employment following certification
More on the way! We will make updates to the website as we publish new findings.
Study Participants
Recruited from four states: Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Texas, and Oregon
Completed certification in 2019 or 2020
Not currently working, working in peer support, or working in another job after completing their credential
An Advisory Committee with expertise in training and employment of peer specialists advises the team about study design, recruitment, data interpretation, and dissemination of findings. This includes review and input on survey protocols regarding item wording and language, qualitative interview protocols, and collaborating on dissemination of findings.
Lynnae Brown, Director, Howie The Harp Advocacy Center
Lala Doost, Wellness Voyage
Leah Harris, Founder and CEO, Shifa Consulting, Inc.
Lauren Jessell, New York University, Silver School of Social Work
Marva Weigelt, Certified Peer Specialist, Insight Peer Support
This project was supported in part by grant number 90IFRE0029, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201.