VA Peer Support Services: Recovery with someone who “gets it”
For many Veterans, the transition from military to civilian life presents challenges that are often difficult for non-Veterans to fully comprehend. However, VA offers one invaluable resource for former servicemembers that has stood the test of time: other fellow Veterans.
“The unique, unspoken understanding that comes from shared experiences with other Veterans is powerful,” said Certified Peer Specialist Jeremy “J.P.” Plante, who works in Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Center (PRRC) and Mental Health Intensive Case Management (MHICM) at Veterans Health Care System of the Ozark. “That is why VA offers Peer Support Services. It has emerged as one of the most effective ways to provide support, encouragement, and understanding to those who have served.”
Peer specialists are VA employees who are also Veterans. In addition to being trained, certified mental health care professionals, they have personal experience involving recovery from a mental health condition.
“With my background, I can help Veterans speak more freely, without the need for long explanations or fear of judgment, because they’re speaking to someone who “gets it,” said Plante.
As part of an interdisciplinary treatment team, Plante helps motivate, guide, and encourage Veterans to reach personal wellness and recovery goals. Besides one-on-one mentorship, VA’s Peer Support Services also builds a community where Veterans can lean on one another.
“When a Veteran reaches out to another, they’re not just offering advice—they’re offering their own story, a lived experience that helps to break down barriers of isolation and misunderstanding,” said Plante. “This connection, built on trust and mutual respect, allows Veterans to be open about their struggles, which is often the first step to healing.”
“JP embodies commitment. He doesn't do anything half-hearted. JP goes above and beyond in every possible way. He truly embodies recovery and advocacy,” said PRRC and MHICM Program Coordinator Mindi Littleton, LCSW, who also runs the Rural Access Network Growth Enhancement Program. “This is one of the many reasons why JP was recognized as the 2024 VHA National Peer Specialist of the Year for both our facility and our region.”
The beauty of Peer Support Services is that it doesn’t just help individuals—it strengthens the entire Veteran community. To work with a peer specialist, talk with your current VA health care provider. You can ask them for a referral for Peer Support Services.
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