What are some benefits of Peer Support?

At Mindfully, we know that peer support works! But, you don’t have to take our word for it. Here are a few of the research-backed benefits of peer support:

• In a review study of 869 people with depression, patients who received Peer Support as part of their depression treatment reported feeling better faster than patients who did not receive peer support as part of their treatment.

• In a group of patients who were commonly hospitalized for mental health conditions, individuals who received Peer Support services stayed out of the hospital longer between admissions than those who did not.

• Teens who have access to a peer with lived experience report being more satisfied with their mental health treatment than teens who do not.

• People who have Peer Support sessions consistently report increased hope and belief in the possibility of recovery, empowerment, self-esteem, self-efficacy, self-management of difficulties, social inclusion, engagement, and social networks.
  
  

What does a Peer Supporter offer that a licensed therapist does not?

Our Peer Support Specialists have experienced and overcome mental health challenges themselves, each one having a unique background. The value of peer support is that they’ve been through that same challenge as you, and they’re able to guide you through sharing their own journey. A therapist hasn’t necessarily gone through that same challenge, so peer support allows you to talk to someone who really understands. Peer support is not a replacement, but rather a compliment to other mental health services. Just like with a therapist, your conversations are completely private and confidential.

What sets Mindfully apart from other programs? 

In addition to the sessions with your Peer Supporter, we also offer group sessions that connect you with more people who are going through what you’re going through, as well as a mobile app used to set goals, track your progress, and access personalized resources to guide you through your journey. 

If I’m a minor, how do I talk to my parents about signing up for Mindfully Peer Support?

Sometimes we need some extra support in order to succeed! Think of it like you’re asking your parents for a tutor in school, but this is a tutor for day to day life. The skills you’ll learn with Mindfully can help you improve many aspects of life including your grades, relationships with people, and mental wellbeing.

If I’m a parent, how to I know if Peer Support is right for my child?

If you’re like many parents, you may not be familiar with Peer Support. Here’s a simple checklist to help you determine if it could offer benefits to your child. If you check the box on 2 or more of the items listed, you’ll want to consider it for your child. If your child is currently working with a Mindfully counselor, you can talk with the counselor about adding a Peer Supporter to your child’s support team as well.

• My child would benefit from having a listening ear.

• My child would benefit from new problem solving strategies. 

• My child would benefit from talking with someone who has faced similar problems and can offer perspective and support, in addition to resources and strategies.

• My child would benefit from learning about new coping and stress management tools and strategies. 

• My child would benefit from learning advocacy skills. 

• I sometimes wonder what my child may be holding inside. 
  
  

How can Peer Support improve someone’s life?

Mindfully helps youth and young adults connect with peer supporters and mental health recovery in a safe place. Our Peer Supporters are trained to be a listening ear and provide support for life experiences, such as anxiety, depression, post traumatic stress, or relationships.

How can Peer Support help parents?

Parents face a tough challenge when it comes to the mental and emotional needs of their teenagers and young adults. Having a trusted, listening ear can offer parents peace of mind. Your child has an outlet, someone to talk through problems and challenges they are facing with trained and certified supporters. They are mentors who bring hope as they have overcome mental and emotional challenges themselves.

Why is Peer Support the right choice for my child?

Mindfully’s Peer Support team is experienced, proven, and have received certification as peer supporters themselves. The team is made up of clinical experts and those with healthcare experience, and they are parents themselves, whose children have experienced mental and emotional challenges. Mindfully leverages modern technology and evidence-based practices that include peer support, goal setting, coping tools and resources for an innovative, more cost effective approach to mental and emotional wellness. Mindfully’s peer supporters undergo certification training (~60 hours) and pass an exam before they may apply to the state boards of mental health for certification. As an organization, we listen deeply to our customer and clients, continuously improving the way we deliver valuable services to youth and their families everyday.

Are Peer Supporters certified?

Absolutely. At Mindfully, we have a network of certified peer supporters who are certified by State Departments of Mental Health and Addiction Services.

What is a Peer Supporter?

In Behavioral Health, a Peer Supporter is someone who shares the experience of living with a mental health need. Peers serve as a positive role model of recovery for clients. 

What if my Peer Supporter isn’t a fit?

Simply let us know with a quick message, and we’ll connect you with another Peer Supporter.

How does Mindfully screen Peer Supporters?

Peer Supporters are background checked, personally interviewed and participate in 60+ hours of state certification for peer support training prior to joining the Mindfully Peer Support network.

How does Mindfully protect privacy?

At Mindfully, privacy and safety is always the first consideration. We go to great lengths to ensure that data are always kept safe and confidential. Our technology is HIPAA compliant and safety is our #1 priority.

Who do you work with?

We work with families, schools, behavioral health providers, state agencies and employers.

What do I do if my messages are not being sent or received when I’m using the Mindfully app?

This issue is usually caused by a poor internet connection. Please try the following steps to resolve:

• Check your Internet connection strength

• Log out of the Mindfully app completely

• Log back into the app

​What ages do you work with?

We serve children to senior adults.