Community Peer Program -

Peers have been on the journey that patients are now struggling with. They can form rare bonds and break down barriers and help our patients open up. They usually get information we can’t from the patient, information that can provide valuable insight and can help the medical team assess the patient’s needs. – Stanford Addiction Medicine, Dual Diagnosis Clinic

Are you someone who is open to a peer relationship, wants to work on wellness and recovery, and wants to be independent and self-directed?

Join our Community Peer Program!

Our vision for this program is to increase mental wellness and encourage independence for persons with a diagnosed mental health condition through the support of their peers.

The Community Peer Program was created for those living with a mental health condition who want to maintain wellness and recovery through mentorship from a peer who has walked in your shoes.

This program is also for you if you…

Live in Santa Clara County
Want to thrive outside a hospital environment
You wish to be intentional about your future choices.
You want to learn to manage your symptoms
You want to develop good coping strategies
You wish to learn from others living with mental health conditions.
You want to find hope

See Community Peer Program Participant Flyer Here.

What Can I Expect From This Program?

The peer mentor experience was a ‘gift,’ and I would tell others, ‘It’s a free program. You have nothing to lose, give it a try.’

– Participant, NAMI-SCC Community Peer Program.

Peer Connectors are well-acquainted with the struggles, fears, isolation, and hopelessness that all who are experiencing a mental illness may face at times. They are in a unique position to relate with and understand their participant’s experience.

For up to four (4) months a Peer will provide support to the Participant in the following ways:

Two (2) calls per week from a Peer, lasting 15 – 30 minutes
One (1) visit per week, lasting 1-3 hours within the local community (Santa Clara County).
The Participant will set goals, practice self-care techniques, and become more independent.
The Peer will share resources, promote self-advocacy, and present options for growth.

After receiving treatment and following their doctor’s directions, the Participant will remain open to:

Attendance at support and/or recovery groups suggested by the Peer.
Identify and practice coping skills with the Peer that work best for the Participant.
Practice social engagement by meeting outside their home or occasionally for coffee/snack.
Adopt self-care routines that promote wellness and instill confidence in this Participant.

See printable Brochure

The peers in this program are NOT counselors or therapists. They do not fix, save, give advice, or set a participant straight in their time together. Instead, the peers in this program help establish S.M.A.R.T. goals, recommend resources that may assist the participant, suggest opportunities for social engagement, encourage self-advocacy with the participant’s providers, and outline potential areas for lifestyle adjustments. They share the journey of living with a mental health condition and work with the participant in taking steps towards their wellness and independence.

*Our mentors are themselves living with mental health conditions and working on their own wellness. This program is not suitable for someone looking for a friend to talk to daily or a respite for participant’s caregiver.

Read Blog “One Peer Mentor’s Journey”.

How Do I Request A Peer Connector?

Note: *Only a person with a mental health condition may request a Peer Connector. NAMI-Santa Clara County’s Community Peer Program does not accept referrals to the program from family, friends or mental health professionals.