Incorporating Peer Support Into Substance Use Disorder Treatment Services Part 1: An Introduction To Peer Support Services E288

Course Summary

Practice Level: Beginner

Peer support services enhance traditional substance use disorder (SUD) treatment and services by connecting people who are experiencing problematic substance use to others who have lived experience with problematic substance use and recovery. Peer support services have experienced rapid growth and improve treatment outcomes; however, many providers are unfamiliar with and unknowledgeable about this effective intervention. 

This two-part course series is designed for social workers, psychologists, counselors, and marriage and family therapists in care continuums who work with those affected by SUDs. It examines the key aspects and functions of peer support services and educates providers about peer support workers’ services and skills.  This learning material, which uses the executive summary and Chapters 1–3 from TIP 64 Incorporating Peer Support into Substance Use Disorder Treatment Services, introduces key concepts related to peer support services, distinguishes the role of peer workers on a care team, describes core functions of peer workers, and explains challenges of being a peer worker. It also illuminates key learning points with case examples.

Course Format

This course contains downloadable online lessons (PDF) and a practice test.

Learning Objectives

1. Define key terms relevant to peer support services (PSS) in substance use disorder (SUD) treatment.
2. Describe the benefits and challenges of PSS within SUD treatment programs.
3. Explain components and concepts of PSS, including setting, background, equality and fair treatment, and delivery.
4. Identify the roles and challenges of peer workers in SUD treatment.
5. Differentiate core functions and ethical principles of peer workers providing recovery support.
6. Describe the core skills and abilities needed to effectively serve as a peer worker in SUD treatment and recovery.

Learning Objectives

• Executive Summary
• Chapter 1: Introduction to Peer Support Services for People with Substance Use-Related Problems.
• Chapter 2: Roles of Peer Worker
• Chapter 3: Peer Worker Core Functions in Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery Support

Authors

SAMHSA – The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. SAMHSA leads public health efforts that advance the behavioral health of the nation and its mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on communities in America.

William A. Cook, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist who worked for 15 years in private practice in Montana before leaving his practice to work full time as the Director of CE4Less. He earned his doctorate degree from Texas A&M University, and focused much of his psychology practice in the area of child and family counseling, as well as psychological testing.

Accreditation Approval Statements

CE4Less.com is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. CE4Less.com maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

CE4Less.com, provider #1115, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 8/8/24-8/8/27.

Social workers completing this course receive 5 general continuing education credits.

CE4Less.com has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6991. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CE4Less.com is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

Level Education Group, LLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0835.