Step 1
The simulator
Everyone who applies to be a peer specialist starts in our video simulation. To be chosen for Peer Collective, you must complete a series of extremely challenging video simulations, in which you respond to tough situations you might face as a peer specialist. We record video of your responses, and they’re graded based on all the qualities & behaviors that we know create strong helping relationships and positive mental health outcomes. These include empathy, warmth, and alliance.
Only 3% of people score “excellent” on all seven simulations, which is required to join Peer Collective. We are the only organization that requires every peer specialist to demonstrate exceptional warmth, empathy, and alliance-building skills. That’s why we have the best peer specialists on the planet.
Read more about the video simulations here.
Only 3% of people score “excellent” on all seven simulations, which is required to join Peer Collective. We are the only organization that requires every peer specialist to demonstrate exceptional warmth, empathy, and alliance-building skills. That’s why we have the best peer specialists on the planet.
Read more about the video simulations here.
Step 2
The training
The chosen few who pass our simulator meet with our training and support team, and receive training in crisis management, privacy, ethics, and peer support skills. After completing their training, they continue to have 24/7 access to the support team for support and guidance.
Our training and support team is led by our CEO and Founder, Tim Desmond. Tim is a licensed therapist, bestselling author, and Distinguished Faculty Scholar in Counseling Psychology at Antioch University-New England. All of our trainers are licensed therapists who understand peer support and have taught at a graduate level.
Our training and support team is led by our CEO and Founder, Tim Desmond. Tim is a licensed therapist, bestselling author, and Distinguished Faculty Scholar in Counseling Psychology at Antioch University-New England. All of our trainers are licensed therapists who understand peer support and have taught at a graduate level.
Step 3
The work
Our peer specialists create their own schedules and offer 1:1 sessions to people around the world. They are an exceptional group of human beings, who are committed to mental health.
Endorsed by world renowned psychotherapy experts
“The best counselors have exceptional warmth, empathy, and understanding, which is why Peer Collective developed a way to measure these qualities using the best available science”
Bruce Wampold, Emeritus Professor of Counseling Psychology at the University of Wisconsin—Madison and Director of the Research Institute at Modum Bad Psychiatric Center, Vikersund, Norway
