After founding the first contracted peer-run center in the state of Florida, Patrick gained notoriety as a major voice in the peer movement. He has been awarded honors from SAMHSA, Mental Health America, and the National Council for Behavioral Health for his professional dedication. Mental Health America is the oldest mental health educational organization in the country.
Peer support jobs offer those who are dedicated to their own recovery a role that celebrates stories of inner resilience. Having tackled their own mental health challenges, peer specialists are in a unique position to use their journey as a source of inspiration. Peers move the emphasis from hopelessness to hopeful potential. Patrick talks about the progress the peer movement has made, including the groundbreaking use of peer support in police departments throughout the country.
Living with a mental illness is never easy, but Patrick makes it clear that an illness does not define who you are. Patrick empowers peers to stick together, use their recovery stories as a collective strength, and to create a new image of mental wellness. You can learn more about Patrick, Mental Health America, or his pathway to peer support here.
By: Michael Tugendhat, MLitt
