What is a peer recovery support specialist?

A peer recovery support specialist is someone with lived experience of addiction and recovery who provides guidance, mentoring, and support to others seeking or maintaining recovery. They are typically certified through state programs and offer a unique perspective that complements clinical treatment.

What is the difference between a peer specialist and a counselor?

A peer specialist draws on personal lived experience with addiction and recovery, while a counselor or therapist has clinical training and licensure. Peer specialists focus on practical recovery support, mentoring, and community connections. Both play important roles in the recovery process and often work together as part of a care team.

Peer Support Directory — Find Recovery Support Specialists Near You

Find Peer Support Services Near You

Connect with trained peer recovery support specialists who use their lived experience to help others on their recovery journey.

Organizations

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States Covered

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Looking for Additional Support?

If you or someone you care about could benefit from a higher level of care, these trusted providers are here to help. They offer compassionate, confidential support for treatment, recovery housing, and wellness—at your own pace, on your own terms.

★ Premium

McLean Hospital Addiction Services

Harvard-affiliated excellence in addiction treatment. Where science meets compassion.

Boston, MA

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★ Featured

Riverside OP Center at Norwood

Norwood, MA

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★ Featured

Forge Health of Devens

Devens, MA

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★ Featured

New Horizons Medical

Lynn, MA

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Professional

SMOC Behavioral Healthcare

Framingham, MA

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Professional

Phoenix House

Cambridge, MA

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Professional

Old Colony Comprehensive Counseling

Brockton, MA

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Professional

Griswold Behavioral Health Center

Palmer, MA

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Professional

Mentor South Bay

Lowell, MA

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Peer Support in Massachusetts

3 Peer Specialists

Showing 301–303 of 303

Individual Peer Support Specialists

Teresa Phelan

Peer Specialists — Massachusetts

UMASS MEMORIAL MEDICAL CENTER, 55 LAKE AVENUE NORTH, PSYCHIATRY, Worcester, 01655

Tiffany Williams

Peer Specialists — Massachusetts

340 MAIN ST STE 910-2, Worcester, 01608-1601

Katie E Ilkovich

Peer Specialists — Massachusetts

221 WILLOW ST, Yarmouth Port, 02675-1770

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303 peer specialists in Massachusetts

The Power of Peer Support

Peer recovery support is one of the most effective tools in fighting substance use disorder. Research shows that peer support significantly improves recovery outcomes.

Reduces substance use and relapse rates

Improves treatment engagement and retention

Increases quality of life and social support

Reduces emergency department visits and hospitalizations

Provides hope through shared lived experience

Learn More About Peer Support

Frequently Asked Questions About Peer Support

What is peer support in recovery? +

Peer support connects people in recovery with trained peer specialists who have lived experience with addiction. They provide guidance, encouragement, and practical support based on their own journey through recovery.

What is a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist? +

A Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) is a person in recovery who has completed specialized training and certification. They use their personal recovery experience to help others navigate treatment, resources, and recovery challenges.

Is peer support the same as therapy or counseling? +

No. Peer support is complementary to clinical services but different. Peer specialists are not therapists — they offer support based on shared experience. They help with practical needs like navigating systems, finding meetings, and building recovery community.

How much does peer support cost? +

Most peer support services are free to the individual. Peer support is often funded through state grants, Medicaid, or nonprofit organizations. There is no cost to connect with a peer specialist through our directory.

Can peer support help with mental health issues too? +

Yes. Many peer specialists are trained in both substance use and mental health recovery. Peer support takes a whole-person approach and can help with co-occurring disorders.

How do I find a peer support specialist near me? +

Use our directory on this page to search for peer support organizations by state and city. You can also contact your local recovery community organization or call SAMHSA’s helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.

Part of the Red Door Recovery Directory Network

Find Peer Support Services Near You