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At Advocates, we believe that people change and grow in connection with others. We also place tremendous value on the life experience of people in mental health and addiction recovery. Our growing team of peer specialists and recovery coaches use their expertise and personal stories to inspire hope and demonstrate that recovery is possible for everyone.  Peer professionals support people in Advocates’ Behavioral Health programs in a variety of ways, including connecting them to recovery resources and a network of support outside of the mental health system. They also serve a vital role in raising awareness about mental health recovery in the wider community. 

The peer specialist role is unique because it is not clinical. Peer specialists at Advocates listen and share and encourage. They don’t administer medications or take clinical notes. The relationship between a peer specialist and the person they are supporting is based on respect, mutuality, and trust. Many people at Advocates credit peer support as a crucial factor on the journey to recovery. As Sharon explains, “Partnering with a peer specialist has helped me realize that I am in recovery and the next steps. They enlighten me and encourage me to strive for the stars.”

Read our Peer Support at Advocates FAQs to learn more.

 

Our Services

The Living Room

The Living Room is a 24/7 crisis alternative to emergency department visits that is a welcoming space where people experiencing emotional distress and crisis can walk in to connect with a peer specialist on the spot. No referral is necessary to visit our comfortable, home-like location. Learn more. 

Virtual Peer Support Groups

Advocates offers several virtual peer support groups via Zoom. These include mental health support groups, as well as social and recreational groups. Facilitated by members of Advocates' Peer Support Team, these support groups are open to anyone in the community, not just individuals served by Advocates, and participation is confidential. Learn more.

Recovery Coaching

Recovery coaches are professionally trained to use their own lived experience with addiction to support others’ journey in recovery, assist people in recovery as they navigate systems, and explore resources in order to live fulfilling lives in the community. Recovery coaching is not a clinical service. Learn more. 

 

Related News

Congresswoman Katherine Clark Visits Advocates

 

Congresswoman Katherine Clark recently visited the Advocates Community Behavioral Health Center (CBHC) made possible by her work. The Center, which is located on Route 9 in Framingham, was renovated and opened thanks to Community Project Funding secured by Clark.

Related Events

| to | Virtual

Virtual Support Group: General Peer Support

This virtual support group is peer-run and free to all without any referral or payment needed. As a peer support group, this group is not open to students, clinicians, or press to observe or for any purpose other than to engage in peer support for personal growth and benefit.
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| to | Virtual

Virtual Support Group: General Peer Support

Let’s talk about movies, shows, video games, and more!  This virtual support group is peer-run and free to all without any referral or payment needed. As a peer support group, this group is not open to students, clinicians, or press to observe or for any purpose other than to engage in peer support for personal growth and benefit.
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| to | Virtual

Virtual Support Group: General Peer Support | Navigating Resources

Group Description: This virtual support group is a place to share and find resources available in the community. This group is peer-run and free to all without any referral or payment needed. As a peer support group, this group is not open to students, clinicians, or press to observe or for any purpose other than to engage in peer support for personal growth and benefit.

For more information or support, call the Living Room at 508-661-3333. 

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