As the largest hospital-based peer workforce in the city, NYC Health’s team comprises 86 peers, and 17 are recent graduates of its Peer Academy program. Additionally, eight individuals from the first two graduating classes have been hired as peer counselors at other organizations.
The Peer Academy graduates underwent over 20 hours of online workshops, 168 hours of classroom training and 168 hours at a hospital-based internship to receive the necessary state certifications. Peer programs have been successful in providing hope, inspiration and relatability to individuals struggling with mental health or substance use disorders, according to a July 24 news release from the New York City-based health system.
“For years, I saw a psychiatrist and a therapist, but when I started working with a peer counselor and going to a peer support group, I had a breakthrough,” Brian Pelzer, a recipient of NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull services, said in the release. “You’re with other people who have similar problems, and you realize there’s nothing to be ashamed of.”