Therapies
Peer recovery support in Ohio
Support from peers who have gone through similar experiences, with the limits of the role and the confidentiality rules set out plainly.
- Where
- Columbus, Dayton
- Admissions
- (614) 665-8878
What a peer does
A peer recovery supporter is part of the treatment team, and peer support at Leora comes from peers who have gone through similar experiences. The role is to offer guidance and encouragement from someone who understands the challenges of recovery.
A clinician can describe withdrawal accurately and plan for it. A peer offers a different kind of support, from someone who has gone through something similar.
What a peer is not
The role has hard limits, and they are worth knowing before you meet one.
- Peers are not therapists. They do not diagnose, prescribe or write your treatment plan.
- Clinical decisions stay with the nurse practitioners, registered nurses and counselors holding LCDCIII, LICDC, LSW, LISW, LPC and LPCC credentials.
- A peer is not a sponsor. Sponsorship is an unpaid private arrangement inside a twelve step fellowship, outside any treatment program.
- Peer support does not replace group or individual hours.
Certification in Ohio
SAMHSA defines the competencies for peer work in behavioral health, and Ohio credentials the role. The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) issues the Peer Recovery Supporter certification. OhioMHAS certification requires state approved training, and continuing education to keep it. The certification also carries a defined scope of practice. Asking the person you would work with whether they hold it, and how long they have done this work, is a fair question.
Confidentiality
A peer follows the same rules as the rest of the staff, including 42 CFR Part 2, the federal rule covering substance use disorder records. Clinically relevant information goes to your treatment team, because the peer is part of that team. If you want something held back, ask before you say it, because the answer is sometimes no.
First days and step down
Peer contact tends to count most at two points, and the second is worth arranging before it arrives.
- The first days of partial hospitalization, which runs five days a week, about six hours a day.
- The step down, when partial hospitalization or intensive outpatient gives way to one or two days a week and two hours of group.
Asking for a peer
Peer recovery support runs at the Columbus and Dayton facilities alongside the clinical therapies. The alumni program continues after discharge with ongoing counseling and twelve step meetings, and it helps with employment.
- Walk in or call first. Both facilities welcome walk-ins.
- Bring your ID and insurance card, a current list of your medications, and a copy of your discharge plan if you are arriving from another program.
- Ask for peer support at your assessment, or tell your counselor later that you want it.
- If the match is wrong, say so to your counselor.
Common questions
Is a peer recovery supporter a counselor?
Is a peer the same as a sponsor?
What does a peer recovery supporter bring to the team?
Is what I tell a peer kept private?
Can I ask for a different peer?
Where this is offered
Hope inspired
Talk to admissions about the right next step.
Outpatient addiction and mental health treatment in Columbus and Dayton, Ohio, from ambulatory detox to outpatient therapy groups. Walk-ins welcome. Call now, or leave your number and admissions will call you back.
