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Become a Peer Specialist
There are many ways to help strengthen peer support and improve the lives of people living with depression and bipolar disorder. Whether you want to build community, lead peer support, become a peer support specialist, participate in mental health research, advocate for change, or support DBSA’s work, you can help make sure people’s experiences and perspectives are part of the future of mental health care.
Help create the communities, connections, and opportunities that make peer support possible. Whether you want to start a support group, facilitate a group, or build skills as a peer support specialist, you can help expand access to peer support.
Bring peer support to your community by starting a DBSA chapter or support group. Chapters and support groups create opportunities for people living with depression and bipolar disorder to connect with others who understand their experiences, share what has helped them, and build community.
Whether you want to create a local chapter or bring a support group to your community, DBSA can help you learn more about getting started.
Support group facilitators help create welcoming spaces where people can connect, share their experiences, and learn from one another. If you’re interested in helping others find connection through peer support, you can explore opportunities to become a DBSA support group facilitator.
DBSA offers opportunities to facilitate national online support groups as well as support groups connected to local chapters.
Peer support specialists use their lived experience to support others navigating mental health challenges and recovery. DBSA offers peer support specialist training and education opportunities to help people build the knowledge and skills needed to provide peer support in a professional setting.
Explore training opportunities and learn more about pathways to becoming a peer support specialist.
“My life completely changed when I became a Peer Support Specialist. I now work in the same acute inpatient ward where I once was a patient. I enjoy giving support and offering the hope of recovery to my peers.”
— a DBSA-trained Peer Support Specialist
Bring the perspectives and experiences of people living with mood disorders into the research, policies, and decisions that shape mental health care. Participate in research or advocate for greater recognition of peer support.
People with lived experience have an important role to play in mental health research. Participating in research can help researchers better understand depression and bipolar disorder, evaluate treatments and services, and identify approaches that support recovery and wellness.
Explore opportunities to participate in mental health research and contribute your perspective to the growing body of knowledge about mood disorders and peer support.
Your voice can help shape the policies, services, and systems that affect people living with mood disorders. DBSA advocates at the national and state levels to ensure the needs and concerns of people living with mood disorders are front and center in mental health policy, service delivery, and treatment decisions.
Learn how you can participate in advocacy and help advance recognition of peer support as part of mental health care.
Stay Connected with DBSAReceive practical mental health resources, inspiring stories, wellness tools, event invitations, and updates on programs that support people living with depression and bipolar disorder. Join our community and stay informed—all delivered to your inbox.
Your support helps DBSA expand access to peer support, provide trusted mental health education, strengthen communities, and advocate for the needs and perspectives of people living with mood disorders.
Every contribution helps DBSA work toward a future where peer support is recognized as part of the standard of care.
