January 2026 – Success Story

Counties are leveraging a variety of strategies to integrate peers into the CARE process, including embedding peers into multidisciplinary teams and using peers from existing programs, with success seen using peers for outreach, engagement, and court support. Please note that a peer is an individual self-identified as having lived experience with the recovery process and can help others experiencing similar situations.

Integrating Peer Support Specialists into CARE Teams

Full integration of peer support specialists into multidisciplinary CARE teams enhances engagement and provides respondents with consistent support throughout the CARE process. Many counties have recognized the value of peers and made them integral members of their teams, leveraging their lived experience to build trust, reinforce participation in services, and expand outreach efforts.

Examples of how counties are integrating peers into their CARE teams include:

• Madera County has incorporated a Peer Support Specialist as part of its treatment team. This role focuses on supporting and reinforcing client engagement and participation in services and treatment plans.
• Merced County includes a peer on its CARE team who works collaboratively with a mental health worker and clinician, ensuring a holistic approach to care.
• Placer and Santa Clara Counties have emphasized outreach and engagement by deploying peers/Peer Support Specialists to connect with individuals in the community, explain the CARE process, and encourage participation in services. These efforts help reduce barriers and foster trust before formal involvement begins.
• San Diego County has begun integrating peer support specialists into the CARE process through Behavioral Health Services (BHS) contracted providers and community partners. These peers assist with petition screening, attend court hearings to provide emotional support, help with service linkage, and participate in care planning discussions to promote person-centered approaches.

Leveraging Existing Peer Support Networks for CARE

Several counties are utilizing peers from broader behavioral health programs that use wrap-around models of care (such as Full Service Partnership (FSP) teams). Drawing on established peer staff provides continuity and resource efficiency, though it often requires additional coordination to address CARE-specific needs.

Examples of counties using their peers across programs include:

• Alameda County incorporates peers as full-fledged members of its outreach and FSP team staffing models, ensuring they are regular, integral contributors to care.
• Calaveras County integrates certified peer support specialists within both mental health and substance use disorder programs. CARE clients are offered referrals to peer supports when clinically appropriate.
• San Bernardino County employs Peer Family Advocates across all CARE and Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) teams.
• San Luis Obispo County embeds peer support groups into many Behavioral Health treatment models, reinforcing engagement and recovery.
• Santa Barbara County draws on peers from its AOT program to assist with outreach and engagement for individuals entering CARE. In order to support individuals being referred to CARE, Santa Barbara County draws on peers from its AOT Team to support with outreach, engagement, and building trust with the team. These two teams work closely together to ensure a smooth transition into the program.

For more information on the role of the peer in the CARE process, please access the training here. For a CARE in Practice discussion on building a culture of support, including peers, click here.