Culturally Responsive Peer Support in the Intermountain West: A Qualitative Exploration of One Model

Culturally responsive services delivered by certified peer specialists (CPS) capitalize on commonalities between CPSs and consumers who share a cultural and linguistic background and similar recovery experiences. Previous work has explored the delivery and positive impact of peer support on recovery outcomes, but little is known about the implementation of peer support delivered by Latinx CPSs to Latinx community members in recovery and the organizational supports that facilitate this work. This community-partnered qualitative study explored the implementation of ‘La Mentoria,’ which is a model of culturally responsive peer support developed by one Latinx serving peer-run behavioral health organization in Utah from the perspectives of multiple stakeholders. This presentation explores harm reduction through the lens of culturally responsive peer support.

Elizabeth Siantz, PhD, MSW is an Assistant Professor in the University of Utah’s College of Social Work. Dr. Siantz’s research focuses on the promotion of health equity for persons with mental illness.