Skip to navigation

Consumers & Peers

What is a "consumer" or "peer"?

The terms “peer”, “consumer,” “survivor” refer to someone who has personally experienced serious mental health issues. This can include anyone who chooses to identify as a consumer based on personal experiences such as: being diagnosed with a mental illness, a past history of serious mental health issues, or a current experience of psychiatric symptoms that have a substantial impact on one’s life or well-being.

Peers can include people who are or have been hospitalized for a mental illness, are in therapy or taking medication for a mental illness, or are otherwise managing their mental health issues.

What is a peer-run program?

Peer-run programs are self-help programs led by and for people with mental illness. As people who have personally experienced mental illness, we work to create programs that respect the inherent worth and dignity of each individual, regardless of their current or past mental state, medical diagnosis, or use of medications. There are all kinds of peer-run programs in Virginia: Drop-In Centers, Employment Centers, Training Programs, Warm Lines, Arts Programs, Transitional Housing, Advocacy Groups, Recovery Groups, and more. Click here to learn more about peer-run programs.

You are viewing the text version of this site.

To view the full version please install the Adobe Flash Player and ensure your web browser has JavaScript enabled.

Need help? check the requirements page.