Peer counselors are individuals with lived experience who are now using their experiences to help others. They might be someone who has managed their own mental health recovery, overcome substance use, or successfully transitioned out of homelessness or the justice system. We include peer support specialists on our team because they offer a type of understanding and hope that only someone who’s “been there” can provide. What they do: Peer counselors mentor and motivate our members. They might accompany a member to a new support group to help them feel comfortable, or share personal insights about staying on track with treatment. Peers help members set achievable goals and celebrate milestones, no matter how small. They often assist with teaching life skills – for instance, how to budget groceries or use public transportation – side by side with the member. Perhaps most importantly, peer counselors build rapport through empathy and shared experience. For a member who is feeling distrustful or discouraged, talking to someone who has walked a similar path and come out the other side can be incredibly inspiring. Our peer counselors embody the message that recovery is possible and no one has to go through tough times alone. They are an integral part of our team’s ability to engage members and keep them involved in their care.

(In addition to the roles above, our extended team includes program managers, outreach workers, and administrative staff who support the ECM program’s operations. Every person at CCHC, whether in the field or behind the scenes, is committed to our members’ success.)

Together, our team brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion to the table. We hold regular team case conferences, share insights, and coordinate our efforts so that each member gets well-rounded support. When you enroll in our ECM program, you’re not just getting one care manager – you’re getting an entire team of people working collaboratively to help you achieve your health and life goals. We’re proud of our team and the caring professionals who make CCHC a trusted partner in our community.