A Medicaid covered service option for people with developmental disabilities. Peer Mentors utilize their personal experiences and training to support others  in bringing about the changing they want for their lives." />
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Peer Mentoring

What is a Peer Mentor?

Peer Mentors are individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD). Peer mentors have unique skills gained from their lived experiences. They encourage and support other individuals to construct their own advocacy journeys.

A Peer Mentor offers firsthand experiences using community mental health services and resources available to people with I/DD. Peer Mentors help guide individuals towards greater self-advocacy, empowerment, and personal responsibility for their success. 

See our Peer Mentor Program Brochure to learn more about the benefits of becoming a peer mentor.
Peer Mentoring Explained Video

Peer Mentoring Explained

This video was created to help explain the peer mentoring experience. The video explores the following questions:

  • What is a peer mentor?
  •  What services do peer mentors provide?
  • What does it mean to you to be a peer mentor?

In cooperation with its provider networks and partners, this video was made possible with funding from the Detroit Wayne Mental Health Authority.

Peer Mentor Program

Peer Mentor 101 Workshop

MiDDC provides an annual Peer Mentor 101 Workshop. The workshop's purpose is to help people with I/DD become effective peer mentors to others with developmental disabilities, so they lead self-directed and satisfying lives.

The Peer Mentor 101 Workshop provides Peer Mentors with tools to guide their fellow peers to:

  • Become better self-advocates.
  • Make their own life choices.
  • Develop leadership skills.
Contact Tracy Vincent for more information on the Peer Mentor 101 Workshop.

Working as a Peer Mentor

Once an individual completes their training, their next step is to complete an internship supervised by staff at a Community Mental Health Service Provider (CMHSP).

Upon successful completion of the internship, the Peer Mentor will be recommended for certification by MiDDC. Certified peers are eligible for employment at a CMHSP.

View a map of CMHSPs that provide peer mentoring service.

Michigan Peer Conference

Each year, MiDDC works with our partners to host an annual Michigan Peer Conference. Details regarding the Michigan Peer Conference will be located in MiDDC's Calendar of Events as soon as they become available. For more information, please visit www.michigan.gov/middcevents. 

Visit MiDDC's Calendar of Events for more information.

Questions? Contact us:

If you have any questions or concerns related to Peer Mentoring, please reach out by calling or emailing:

Tracy Vincent
Resource Analyst
235 S Grand Ave
PO Box 30037, Suite 218
Lansing, MI 48933
Phone: 517.284.7296
vincentt1@michigan.gov