Recovery and the role of the certified peer specialist : an historical analysis of an evolving concept and paradigm

Author

Patricia Susan Kruglak, Smith College

Publication Date

2011

Document Type

Masters Thesis

Department

School for Social Work

Keywords

Mental illness-Treatment-History, Peer counseling, Mental health services-History, Recovery, Mental health, C/S/X movement, Peer support, Certified peer specialist

Abstract

The last decade of the twentieth century signaled a major shift in United States' mental health care, with 'recovery-oriented care' the new paradigm for mental health policy and services. While there is a consensus on the need to focus on recovery, the concept of recovery remains an evolving construct. This study examined the evolving conceptualization of recovery, focusing in particular on the role of the Consumer/Survivor/Ex-Patient Movement in altering social discourses concerning mental illness, recovery and the power dynamics within the extant mental health system. This study concludes with an examination of the recent Certified Peer Specialist position, concluding that like recovery, peer support remains an evolving construct.

Language

English

Comments

iii, 43 p. Thesis (M.S.W.)-Smith College School for Social Work, Northampton, Mass., 2011. Includes bibliographical references (p. 37-40)

Recommended Citation

Kruglak, Patricia Susan, "Recovery and the role of the certified peer specialist : an historical analysis of an evolving concept and paradigm" (2011). Masters Thesis, Smith College, Northampton, MA.
https://scholarworks.smith.edu/theses/1046