System Navigation

Manifesto Health (2023) says this: “Peer-led navigation refers to the aspect of peer support services where individuals who have lived experience with mental health and/or substance use challenges themselves assist people in navigating the complex landscape of mental health care. These peers use their personal experiences and training to guide and support others in accessing the appropriate mental health services, resources, and information they need to address their mental health concerns. This form of support is rooted in empathy, understanding, and shared experiences, and is a valuable – yet underutilized – component of the mental health care system” (para. 1).

Manifesto Health. (2023, November 2). What is peer-led navigation? https://manifestohealth.com/what-is-peer-led-navigation/

Peer professionals lead the interactions with the client. They are not trained in diagnosis, assessment, or treatment, so they work in tandem with professionals who are trained in these facets of treatment (Manifesto Health, 2023). 

• Benefits of peer-led navigation are:
  • Increasing capacity to navigate service systems and advocate for coordinated and integrated care and support
  • Having a peer worker provide non-clinical support to people experiencing mental and substance use issues and supporting them while navigating the service system
  • Integrating social connection within mental health care
  • Addressing the broader social determinants of health and factors that contribute to distress and mental health challenges (such as homelessness or not having a primary care practitioner)
  • Supporting service systems where there is a workforce shortage and/or overburdened workload of mental health clinical staff, such as underserved and rural areas (para. 5).

Your role is so important!