Research Update on Peer Support for Youth and Young Adults

Pathways Research and Training Center has updated its 2018 report on the state of the science for peer support for youth and young adults who experience serious mental health conditions.  At that time, there was limited information on how youth peer support roles were defined and supported, and what outcomes could be expected once implemented.  The recent update summarizes research findings since then.  Even as peer supports have rapidly gained in popularity, effectiveness data are scarce, largely as a result of the continuing lack of clarity in role definition and development.  Organizations contemplating adding the service will find helpful pointers to areas needing particular attention in design and implementation.