Integrating Peer Providers into Traditional Service Settings: The Jigsaw Strategy in Action

Gates and Akabas (2007) identify several practical strategies for easing peer providers into traditional mental health agencies based on interview data collected from 21 agencies in New York City. Policy strategies, which can be enacted immediately, include agency adoption of a recovery orientation, minimization of peer versus professional job distinctions, and peer provider job security, dignity, and control over disclosure of disabilities....