Peer Support Day Illuminates Mental Health Challenges and Opportunities: Survey of Greater Philadelphia Residents Reveals Insights
Explore survey insights from Greater Philadelphia that reveal both the challenges and transformative potential of peer support, offering a roadmap for strengthening community mental health services.
Peer Support Day Illuminates Mental Health Challenges and Opportunities: Survey of Greater Philadelphia Residents Reveals Insights
Date: October 16, 2023
Author: Brittany Oneill
As the world commemorates Peer Support Day, a global initiative celebrating the vital role of peer support in mental health care, findings from a survey of residents in the Greater Philadelphia area have been released. Conducted by the nonprofit organization Mental Health Partnerships, the survey offers invaluable insights into the state of mental health services and the prevalence of peer support in our communities.
Community Mental Health Services
- 63% of respondents expressed dissatisfaction with community mental health services, with an average rating of just 3.3 out of 10.
- Common barriers included long wait times, limited provider availability, lack of insurance coverage, high costs, and stigma.
- 74% were unaware that peer support services existed in their community.
“I have encountered significant mental health barriers when it comes to accessing treatment for my eating disorder,” shared a Mental Health Partnerships Advocate. “The limited availability of treatment facilities, coupled with insurance issues, have been major challenges in my recovery journey. My transgender identity has added another layer of complexity, with some facilities unwilling to provide the support I need.”
Family Access to Mental Health Services
- The average rating for family access to mental health services was 5.3 out of 10.
- Insurance coverage limitations and high service costs remained key obstacles.
Interest in Expanding Mental Health Services
- Respondents expressed strong support for expanding services, with an average rating of 8.1 out of 10.
Peer Support Services
- 57% of respondents were unaware of the availability of peer support in their community.
- Those who had accessed these services often found them helpful and empowering.
These results highlight the urgent need to improve access to mental health care, address systemic barriers, and raise awareness of available peer support services. The call from the community is clear: increase funding, drive advocacy, and expand peer-based resources to build a more resilient Philadelphia.
On this Peer Support Day, we applaud the strength and resilience of individuals who support one another throughout their mental health journeys. Together, we build hope.
About Peer Support Day
Peer Support Day is a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness about the value of peer support in mental health care. It celebrates the lived experience of those supporting others through shared journeys and underscores the need for stronger, more inclusive mental health systems.
For further information, media inquiries, or access to survey data, contact: Boneill@mhphope.org
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8,480
individuals and families served
34
active programs across the region
1,106
Peer Specialists trained each year
5,801
people supported through direct services
3000+
individuals reached monthly through homeless outreach
1,573
engaged in community advocacy
Real Stories of Hope and Recovery
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"I'm so grateful for the community that's here and the people that I get to work with in a way that they inspire me every day."
"Every experience I've had with MHP thus far has been great, from the training to being able to get support, a community, sponsorships to go places I never thought I'd go."
"MHP has given me so much, I want to give back."
"Give you your own purpose, you know, just like doing something more. Just a good feeling for me. Now I can be productive."
"MHP has a long history of being a really trusted and reliable resource for peer specialists.
So these experiences already live within your walls."
"The incredible empowerment and the impact that peers have in the field of mental health."
"There's something really, really powerful that happens when you're connecting with someone who's sitting across from you and says, you know, I see you and I hear you. Because I've been there."
"...and just that little click. Wow, it's so powerful just to have somebody who understands exactly how you feel, because we can sympathize all day, but to have somebody else in the room with me, to say, I've done it too, I've experienced that too, allows for a bond that goes beyond words."
"That opened me up to talk to other people so I could coach them and have them get the aha moment again. I did it and I'm glad that I got into new ways of thinking."
"I'm able to be helpful just to know that, like, all that hard work I put through actually paid off."
"And I hope that everybody would get the opportunity to connect with that organization"
"At Mental Health Partnerships. Together..."
"Together..."
"Together..."
"Together...we build hope."
"Together...we build hope."
"We build hope."
"We build hope."
"Together...we build hope."
"Together...we build hope."
"Together...we build hope."
"Period!"
Guiding Principles for Empowerment and Growth
At the heart of our mission lies a steadfast commitment to core values that shape every aspect of our work. These values—rooted in hope, empowerment, and respect—guide us in fostering environments where individuals can thrive, exercise self-determination, and pursue lifelong learning. By embracing a holistic, non-judgmental, and culturally aware approach, we empower individuals to achieve their full potential and contribute to their communities.
Together, We Build Hope
At Mental Health Partnerships, we are dedicated to fostering hope and resilience. Our mission is to create a supportive environment where individuals can regain control of their mental health and live fulfilling lives. We offer personalized care that aligns with your unique needs and helps you connect with a community that cares.
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Hear directly from individuals whose lives have been touched by our programs and services. Whether it’s case management, family support, or peer-led guidance, these stories showcase the power of compassionate care and unwavering belief in every person’s potential for recovery and growth.
Let’s Take the Next Step Together
At MHP, we understand that the journey to mental wellness can feel overwhelming. With peer-led support, proven resources, and a warm, caring community, we’re here to guide you through every step—so you never have to walk this path alone.