Rural Peer Recovery Support Services Program Development and Implementation Considerations

Peer recovery support services (PRSS) have emerged as a promising model in addressing engagement in and access to treatment and recovery services related to mental health (MH) and substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. At the same time, rural America has continued to struggle with the MH/SUD burden, workforce, and access to care. Thus, PRSS present a unique opportunity to scale access to treatment and recovery services in rural communities. This article explores the current trends in PRSS broadly as well as more specific rural-based services through a social cognitive lens. Based on the current literature, PRSS remain a particularly promising strategy for behavioral health condition management and recovery in rural communities. However, rural communities should ensure a robust feasibility and planning process prior to introduction and take care in addressing barriers, such as stigma and payments. Finally, the research community should continue investing in robust research to identify the drivers of outcomes related to PRSS in the rural context.