Question 1

Identify which of the following led to the evolution of peer-led services.&#10;A) It was mandated by the Center for Mental Health Services.&#10;B) It was mandated by the Substance Abuse Mental Health Service Administration.&#10;C) It developed through advocacy of peers dissatisfied with existing mental health services.&#10;D) It was an occupational therapy initiative.

Accepted Answer

Peer-led services evolved through advocacy of peers dissatisfied with existing mental health services. Peers felt that mental health services lacked understanding and empathy for their experiences, leading them to create their own services. The other options (A, B, and D) are not accurate as there is no evidence to suggest that peer-led services were mandated by any government agency or initiated by a specific profession.

Question 2

Which of the following is a key principle for peer-led services?&#10;A) Consult with mental health professionals to determine the best approach to recovery.&#10;B) Peer support should only occur following formal mental health treatment.&#10;C) Peer-led interventions should be highly structured and evidence-based.&#10;D) Approaches to mental health care should be respectful and collaborative.

Accepted Answer

The key principle for peer-led services is that approaches to mental health care should be respectful and collaborative. Peer-led interventions are often based on the shared experience of living with a particular mental health condition or overcoming a particular treatment challenge. As a result, the focus is on building relationships built on mutual respect and understanding, rather than a top-down approach directed by mental health professionals. While peer-led services may be evidence-based, they are not typically highly structured in the same way as formal mental health treatments. Furthermore, peer support can occur both before, during, and after formal mental health treatment, making option B incorrect. Finally, while mental health professionals may be consulted in the development and delivery of peer-led services, the key is that those with lived experience are taking on leadership roles in the care process.

Question 3

Identify the most important benefit of using peer-led services to enhance mental health interventions.&#10;A) Peer-support services have increased funding for mental health services.&#10;B) Individuals in recovery benefit from mentorship to develop coping strategies and identify resources to support recovery.&#10;C) Individuals in recovery benefit from the services of a counselor to recommend coping strategies and resources to support recovery.&#10;D) Individuals in recovery benefit from the services of a case manager for community integration.

Accepted Answer

Peer-led services provide individuals in recovery with mentorship to develop coping strategies and identify resources to support their recovery, which is a valuable benefit in enhancing mental health interventions. While increased funding, counseling services, and case management can also be helpful, they do not specifically address the unique benefits that peer support can offer.

Question 4

A family of a young man diagnosed with autism has established a program to help other individuals with this diagnosis develop skills necessary to transition into valued occupational roles and integrate into the community. At the same time, this organization provides support and education to family members. Which type of peer-led service does this best represent?

A) Wellness coaching
B) Peer-led organization
C) Peer-professional partnership
D) Peer mentoring

Accepted Answer

This best represents a peer-led organization as it is run by individuals who have personal experience with autism and are working to support others with the same diagnosis.

Question 5

Which of the following most accurately reflects the concept of peer-led services?&#10;A) It allows for a client-centered approach to treatment.&#10;B) People with lived experience support others as they move toward recovery.&#10;C) It is an occupational therapy approach to care.&#10;D) It allows for the mental health professional to guide treatment.

Accepted Answer

Peer-led services involve individuals with lived experience, such as those who have overcome mental health challenges, supporting and guiding others as they work toward recovery. This approach is centered on the idea that individuals who have gone through similar experiences are uniquely equipped to provide guidance and support to others facing similar challenges. It is a collaborative approach, with peers working together toward shared goals.

Question 6

Identify the best contribution an occupational therapy practitioner can make when collaborating with a peer-led organization.&#10;A) Develop and implement occupational therapy-led services to promote occupational engagement&#10;B) Deliver educational programs to peers related to mental illness&#10;C) Collaborate with peer specialists to develop a life skills curriculum&#10;D) Provide a list of mental health professionals who can manage the organization

Accepted Answer

Collaborating with peer specialists to develop a life skills curriculum is the best choice as it involves working together with individuals who have lived experience with mental illness to create a program that is relevant and meaningful to them. This approach recognizes and values the expertise of peer-led organizations and promotes their capacity to empower and support their members through the development of life skills. The other choices may not involve as much collaboration with the peer-led organization or may not directly address the needs and goals of its members.

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the role of an occupational therapy practitioner in peer-led services?&#10;A) Provide direct service&#10;B) Assume responsibility for development and implementation of peer-led services in an inpatient setting&#10;C) Assume responsibility for administration of community peer-led services&#10;D) Guide a training program for peer support providers

Accepted Answer

The role of an occupational therapy practitioner in peer-led services is to guide a training program for peer support providers, as they have the expertise in developing interventions to support individuals to increase their engagement in occupational and daily living activities. However, assuming responsibility for the administration or development and implementation of peer-led services would exceed their scope of practice as occupational therapy practitioners. Additionally, providing direct service may not be necessary in peer-led services where the focus is on peer support and guidance.

Deck 38: Peer-Led Services