Advancing Person‑Centered Care: Peer Support in Schizophrenia Care in Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics

The National Council for Mental Wellbeing, in collaboration with Bristol Myers Squibb, has developed a new white paper on evidence-based and innovative practices for developing and providing peer support services for people living with schizophrenia.

This resource examines how peer support programs, led by trained individuals with their own lived experience of serious mental illness, can help address critical gaps in schizophrenia care across the United States. Schizophrenia affects nearly 3 million people in the U.S., and despite decades of clinical progress, many people living with the condition still face fragmented care, limited access to services, and significant social isolation.

The white paper draws on peer-reviewed research and real-world interviews with Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) that have successfully implemented peer support programs. It explores the current landscape of peer support, including regional variability, workforce challenges, funding constraints and opportunities for clinical integration.

It also offers actionable recommendations for health care leaders, policymakers, peer support programs, and individuals and families, covering workforce development, program infrastructure, outreach, outcome measurement and policy reform.

Dive Deeper: NatCon Session

Peer support will also be a focal point at NatCon, the annual conference for National Council members, partners and people throughout the behavioral health field.

Join the breakout session, “Trust, Connection, and Continuity: The Opportunity of Peer Support in Care for People with SMI [Serious Mental Illness],” on Monday, April 27.

Check out the sessions in our peer support track for more details.

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About Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics

Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) connect people with immediate crisis care as well as therapy, treatment, primary care and social services. CCBHCs are designed to ensure that anyone can quickly access mental health and substance care whenever and however they need it, regardless of their ability to pay. Learn more!