Peer support specialists were linked to an average reduction of 43% in inpatient services and a 30% increase in outpatient visits, according to a January brief from the American Hospital Association. Hospitals and health systems are increasingly integrating peer support specialists — individuals with lived experience in recovery from menstrual health or substance use disorders — as part of efforts to improve patient outcomes, reduce readmissions and support workforce well-being.
Here are five things to know about the role, according to the brief:
- One study found a 56% decrease in readmission rates, according to Mental Health America. Another reported an average cost reduction of $2,238 per Medicaid-enrolled month. A separate analysis showed a return on investment of $2.28 for every dollar spent.
- Nearly all state Medicaid plans reimburse for peer support specialist services billed in 15-minute intervals, according to a 2023 report from SAMHSA.
- Thirty-four states offer a single, integrated peer certification covering both mental health and substance use recovery.
- Most certifications require 40 to 46 hours of approved education. Twenty-two states also require supervised work or volunteer hours ranging from 200 to 2,000, with 500 hours being the most common requirement.
- As of December 2025, there is no nationally accepted training or certification standard for peer support specialists.
