Empowering Recovery Through Peer Support and Shared Experience
Our Peer Support Specialists use their personal recovery journey to help individuals overcome mental health and substance abuse challenges - building connection, resilience, and meaningful community engagement.
What is Peer Support and Why It Matters
Peer Support Services are a vital part of Sunshine Care Network's commitment to mental health recovery and wellness.
Our Peer Support Specialists are individuals who have lived experience with mental health or substance abuse challenges and are actively in recovery.
They use the knowledge and skills gained from their personal journey to help others navigate their own path to wellness.
Through Peer Support, we focus on building hope, enhancing social connections, and empowering individuals to lead meaningful lives in their communities. This service complements traditional treatment with lived experience, practical guidance, and genuine understanding.
The Power of Lived Experience in Mental Health
Mental health recovery is not just about managing symptoms - it's about reclaiming your life, rebuilding relationships, and rediscovering hope. For many individuals facing mental health or substance abuse challenges, the journey can feel isolating and overwhelming.
What Makes Peer Support Different:
Peer Support is unique because it's grounded in shared experience. Unlike traditional clinical services, Peer Support Specialists aren't just trained professionals - they're individuals who have walked a similar path and emerged with valuable wisdom, resilience, and practical strategies.
The Recovery Journey:
Recovery looks different for everyone, but common elements include building self-awareness and understanding your triggers, developing healthy coping mechanisms and support systems, learning to navigate mental health and substance abuse treatment systems, reconnecting with community, purpose, and meaningful activities, and managing setbacks while celebrating progress along the way.
Why Peer Support Works:
Research shows that peer support significantly improves mental health outcomes. When someone has "been there," it creates an authentic connection that reduces shame, builds hope, and demonstrates that recovery is possible. Peer Specialists serve as living proof that wellness is achievable - and they provide practical tools to help you get there.
At Sunshine Care Network, our Peer Support Specialists are certified, trained, and supervised by licensed mental health professionals - ensuring you receive both authentic peer connection and professional-quality support.
- 01
Connection & Engagement
We match you with a certified Peer Support Specialist who understands your journey and can relate to your experiences.
- 02
Personalized Recovery Planning
Together, we identify your strengths, goals, and the support you need to move forward in your recovery.
- 03
Ongoing Support & Advocacy
Your Peer Specialist provides regular support through one-on-one meetings, helping you navigate systems, build skills, and stay connected to community resources.
- 04
Progress & Empowerment
We celebrate your achievements and continuously adapt support to help you maintain wellness and reach your full potential.
No age limitations - Services available for all ages
Medicaid enrolled - Must be enrolled in Medicaid
Self-reported mental health challenge - Have experienced mental health or substance abuse challenges
Open to support - Willing to consider counseling and recovery services
Hope & Social Connection
Enhanced hope, social networking, and community participation through shared experience
Improved Well-Being
Better self-esteem, social functioning, and overall mental health outcomes
Practical Empowerment
Education, system navigation tools, and support that supplements existing treatment
Sustained Recovery
Reduced symptoms, fewer hospitalizations, and more thorough, long-lasting recovery
Self-Advocacy, Self-Efficacy, and Empowerment: Learn to speak up for your needs, build confidence in your abilities, and take control of your recovery journey.
Engagement, Bridging, and Transition Support: Get help connecting to mental health services, transitioning between levels of care, and staying engaged in treatment.
Peer Recovery Supports and Peer Counseling: Receive one-on-one support from someone who understands your struggles and can offer practical coping strategies based on lived experience.
Community Connections, Natural Supports, and Transitional Supports: Build relationships, access community resources, and develop a support network that sustains you beyond formal services.
Pre-Crisis and Crisis Support Services: Access support during difficult times to prevent crisis situations and get immediate help when you need it most.
Families and individuals trust Sunshine Care Network because we combine lived experience with professional excellence.
Certified specialists with personal recovery experience
Trauma-informed, strength-based approach
Flexible meeting locations - home, community, or telehealth
Crisis support available for pre-crisis and crisis situations
Collaborative care that works alongside your existing treatment team
New York
We provide compassionate, personalized services across the entire state of New York - including communities like Brooklyn and Queens - helping children, families, and schools thrive every day.
Real experiences, real impact
Families and communities we serve often share stories of growth, confidence, and hope. Discover how Sunshine Care Network makes a difference every day.
Truly care that changed our child’s life
We found Sunshine Care Network when we were feeling overwhelmed with our child’s needs. The team stepped in and provided truly individualised support, meeting us at home and at school. Today our daughter is more confident, engaged and happy. We’re so grateful for the caring staff and clear communication every step of the way.
Laura & Michael R.
A respectful, family-centered experience
From the first intake meeting through ongoing therapy, Sunshine Care Network made everything simple and respectful. The staff took time to listen to our family’s story, set up a schedule that suited our busy lives and shared progress in a way we could understand. It’s been a game-changer for us.
Jessica & Tom S
Warm professionals who focus on real progress
Working with Sunshine Care Network’s ABA and peer-support services has been one of the best decisions we’ve made. The therapists are professional, warm and knowledgeable, and the process is genuinely centred around our child’s strengths. Highly recommend to any family seeking lasting results and strong partnership.
Rebecca K.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Whether you’re a parent, school, or community partner, Sunshine Care Network is here to guide you. Let’s build brighter futures together.
.png)
Sunshine Care Network provides comprehensive support services for children, families, and schools throughout New York State and Texas. Our mission is to empower growth, resilience, and brighter futures.