📽️ Celebrating Georgia’s Leadership in Mental Health: A New Documentary Highlights the Certified Peer Specialist Movement
By: Erica Stokes
We’re excited to share that Georgia’s pioneering role in mental health and addiction recovery is being celebrated in a powerful new documentary, Stigma to Strength: Georgia and the Certified Peer Specialist Movement. Premiered at The Carter Center, this documentary dives into the incredible journey of certified peer specialists and their transformative impact on mental health treatment.
Since the late 1980s, Georgia has been at the forefront of training professional peer counselors—individuals who have personally faced challenges with substance misuse and mental health. In fact, Georgia was the first state to secure Medicaid reimbursement for peer support as part of a statewide mental health rehabilitation service back in 1999.
The documentary not only highlights the resilience and dedication of our peer specialists but also emphasizes the state’s unwavering commitment to supporting mental health and addiction recovery. As DBHDD Commissioner Kevin Tanner aptly said, “This documentary is a testament to the incredible strength and resilience of our peer specialists. It highlights not only their personal journeys but also the critical role they play in our mental health system.”
The film features voices like Claire Bonnell, a peer supervisor from Middle Georgia, who shares insights into the unique power of peer support. “Even when we become peer specialists, it doesn’t mean our journey is over,” Bonnell explains. “We still have moments where we struggle, but creating a supportive environment is key to our success.”
We also want to acknowledge the recent efforts of Governor Brian Kemp and the Georgia Legislature in approving a significant pay rate increase for behavioral health practitioners, including peer specialists. This increase, ranging from 25% to 39%, will further empower those who are on the front lines of mental health support in our state.
Join us in celebrating the stories of hope and recovery that continue to shape Georgia’s mental health landscape. Watch the documentary and learn more about the movement that’s making a real difference in the lives of so many.
Full article available here: New documentary celebrates Georgia’s decades of innovative ‘certified peer specialist’ training | Georgia Public Broadcasting (gpb.org)