FAQs

Why is this research being done?

Certified Peer Specialists are individuals with psychiatric histories who receive certification to provide support for those experiencing mental illness. The goal of this study is to understand how the CPS certification process contributes to new graduates’ employment outcomes and opportunities for career advancement, regardless of whether they work in peer support. CPS are an important part of expanding the mental health workforce and providing choices for service users. However, we don’t know what happens to CPS careers after completing training. We want to understand CPS experiences at work, and activities outside of work.

What will happen with the results?

Results will show the impacts of certification on peers, and be shared with mental health administrators, policymakers, and people in leadership positions (both in and outside of peer roles), as well as the public. Right now, we have two academic papers published, which you can find links to here.

The results will contribute to policy and practice recommendations about how the certification process impacts CPS employment and career opportunities.  This knowledge can lead to improvements in the careers of individuals with psychiatric disabilities who earn a CPS credential.

Who is participating?

Survey participants are 600+ CPS grads from four US states - Pennsylvania, Texas, Oregon, and North Carolina. This includes both participants who are currently working in peer support and those who are not.

What happens next?

We have finished the recruitment phase of the study, and the participants have completed the first two surveys in 2020 and 2021. We are in the process of collecting the third and final survey now, in 2022.

The survey focuses on demographics and employment background. There will be a total of three surveys over the course of the study.

A subgroup of participants were recruited for interviews to speak more in-depth about their experiences. Interviews allow us to further apply the information we gather from the surveys.

What are you doing with the data?

All responses are combined with others from the participating states and nationally. The information in this study will only be used in ways that will not reveal the identity of participants.

Our team of researchers, led by peers and others with lived experience, is conducting statistical analyses on the combined responses from all participants. This will help us identify and describe patterns in experiences of CPS that can used by peers, advocates, governments, companies, and the public. We are grateful to all participants for their contributions to the evidence base of CPS.

So far we have published two papers in academic journals, and presented early research findings in two separate webinars. We send out announcements about these events to participants and other stakeholders. If you would like to receive these invitations, please subscribe to our Newsletter using the form at the bottom of the home page.

How do I get in touch?

If you have additional questions or want to get in touch with the Live and Learn team, feel free to reach out to us through our contact form or by email.