How can Certified Peer Specialists ensure that they stay within their scope of practice?

Certified Peer Specialists can ensure they stay within their scope of practice by recognizing their role as facilitators. This role involves supporting individuals in their recovery journey by sharing personal experiences and providing hope, rather than engaging in clinical therapy or providing therapeutic interventions. As facilitators, Certified Peer Specialists focus on empowering individuals, helping them set goals, and encouraging self-advocacy. This aligns with the principles of peer support, which prioritize mutual aid and lived experience over professional therapeutic modalities. Understanding these boundaries is essential for maintaining ethical practice and ensuring that individuals receive the appropriate level of care from qualified professionals when needed.