The Clinician’s Role in Youth Peer Support Services for Mental Health

Youth Peer Support Services (YPSS)—where youth with lived experience of mental health challenges support peers—address the growing, unmet need for youth mental health services. This article emphasizes the vital role of clinicians in training, supervising, and supporting youth peer support workers (YPSWs) to ensure effective service delivery. Clinical vignettes highlight how tailored supervision, role clarity, and boundary management help YPSWs leverage their lived experience while maintaining professionalism. The vignettes demonstrate the transformative potential of YPSS on recovery and underscore the importance of clinician-led training, supervision, and organizational support. Key considerations for clinicians in YPSS implementation are discussed, offering guidance for effectively supporting the integration of YPSS into mental health systems.