Earlier this month, Pacific Clinics’ Clinical Director Joanna Stockton, alongside Peer Advocate Kanisha Green and Team Supervisor Xiomara Seide, presented at the California Mental Health Advocacy for Children and Youth (CMHACY) conference on the role of peer support specialists in recovery.
The conference, now in its 46th year, brings together youth, advocates, parents, policymakers and providers to participate in interactive conversations on topics relevant to the mental wellness of youth and families, as well as California’s changing health care system. This year’s theme was “Mental Health is Everyone’s Business: Inclusive Conversations for Changing Times,” emphasizing the importance of collaboration, equity and community-driven solutions during an evolving moment in youth mental health care.
During their presentation, the team spoke about how our Flexible Integrated Treatment and Complex Care programs have seen positive outcomes for clients served by peer support specialists, or peers, and encouraged other providers to incorporate a similar model within their programs, including managerial peer roles, an integral part of mental, behavioral and substance use care.
“As we continue to shift toward more peer-centered services, it’s critical that we not only elevate peer voices, but also create leadership pathways that strengthen and sustain this work,” said Joanna. “Peers bring lived experience that builds trust, inspires hope and helps clients feel seen in a way that traditional services alone often can’t.”
“The conference offered many informative sessions, including valuable training on recognizing and responding to human trafficking and understanding risks youth may face on social media and in schools,” said Peer Partner Leslie Wilson. “It was also inspiring to see so many providers and advocates recognize the value of lived experience — reinforcing that healing is possible when people feel understood, supported and empowered.”
