How can you help peers navigate mental health services?

1 Know the basics

Before you can help your peers navigate mental health services, you need to have some basic knowledge about what they are, how they work, and what they offer. You don't have to be an expert, but you should be familiar with the common types of services, such as counseling, medication, crisis intervention, peer support groups, and recovery programs. You should also know how to access them, whether through referrals, self-referrals, online platforms, or walk-in clinics. You should also be aware of the eligibility criteria, costs, waiting times, and quality standards of different services, as well as the rights and responsibilities of service users.

2 Listen and ask

One of the most important skills you can use to help your peers navigate mental health services is active listening. This means paying attention to what they say, how they say it, and what they don't say. It also means reflecting back what you hear, clarifying any misunderstandings, and validating their feelings and experiences. By listening actively, you can show your peers that you care, respect, and understand them. You can also ask open-ended questions to help them explore their needs, goals, preferences, and concerns regarding mental health services. For example, you can ask them what they hope to gain from seeking help, what they are comfortable or uncomfortable with, and what they expect from a service provider.

3 Explore and inform

Another skill you can use to help your peers navigate mental health services is information sharing. This means providing relevant, accurate, and unbiased information to your peers, as well as helping them find and evaluate more information if they need it. You can use various sources of information, such as websites, brochures, flyers, or your own experience, to inform your peers about the different options available to them. You can also help them compare and contrast the pros and cons of each option, as well as the potential risks and benefits. However, you should avoid giving advice or telling your peers what to do. Instead, you should encourage them to make their own informed decisions based on their values and preferences.

4 Support and follow up

The final skill you can use to help your peers navigate mental health services is ongoing support. This means being there for your peers throughout their journey of seeking and receiving help, as well as following up with them regularly to check on their progress and satisfaction. You can support your peers by offering encouragement, affirmation, and feedback, as well as by helping them cope with any challenges or barriers they may face along the way. You can also help them prepare for appointments, accompany them if they want, and debrief with them afterwards. You can also follow up with them by asking them how they are doing, how they feel about the service they are using, and what they need or want to change.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?