Differences Between Recovery -Oriented Values and the Medical Model in Certified Peer Specialist Practice
By Leigh Braden, MSW Division Director of Training at Mental Health Partnerships
Certified Peer Specialists (CPS) play a crucial role in supporting individuals with mental health and substance use challenges. They provide a unique form of support by drawing on their lived experiences. Two prominent paradigms that shape the practice of CPS are the Recovery-Oriented Model and the Medical Model. These models represent distinct philosophies and approaches, each with its own set of values and principles. Let’s explore the key differences between Recovery-Oriented Values and the Medical Model in the context of Certified Peer Specialist practice, highlighting how these models impact the roles, attitudes, and outcomes associated with CPS support.
Recovery-Oriented Values
The Recovery-Oriented Model is grounded in a holistic and person-centered approach to mental health and substance use challenges. Several core values underpin this model which include, Hope and Empowerment Strength-Based Perspective Self-Directed Care, Peer Support and Connection and Community Integration. In the 75-hour Certified Peer Specialist training in Pennsylvanian CPS’s are taught the principles of recovery which focuses on instilling hope in individuals by fostering a belief in their capacity for personal growth and change. They empower individuals to take control of their recovery journey, emphasizing self-determination and resilience. Recovery-oriented CPS recognize and build upon individuals’ strengths and assets rather than solely focusing on deficits and symptoms. They encourage individuals to identify and harness their unique resources for healing and growth.
Self-Directed Care places a strong emphasis on individuals’ autonomy and the importance of self-directed care. Certified Peer Specialists support individuals in setting their own recovery goals, facilitating self-advocacy and informed decision-making. Recovery-oriented CPS utilize their lived experiences to connect with individuals on a peer-to-peer level. They serve as role models, offering empathy, understanding, and validation. The relationship is one of equals, fostering trust and rapport. The model encourages individuals to reintegrate into their communities and society at large. CPS help individuals rebuild social connections, access resources, and reduce isolation.
The Medical Model
In contrast to the Recovery-Oriented Model, the Medical Model approaches mental health and substance use challenges primarily as medical conditions. Key aspects of this model include: Diagnosis and Symptom Management; Medication-Centered Approach; Expert-Led Care; Reduction of Symptom; and Severity Language. The medical model places a strong emphasis on diagnosing and treating symptoms through medical interventions. It views mental health and substance use challenges as primarily biologically based conditions. Medication is often a central component of treatment in the Medical Model. CPS may play a role in ensuring individuals adhere to medication regimens and treatment plans. The Medical Model positions clinical professionals as experts in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions. Certified Peer Specialists in this model may have a more supportive or compliance-focused role. The primary goal is often the reduction of symptoms or the management of the condition rather than holistic well-being or personal growth. The Medical Model may use diagnostic labels and clinical terminology, which can sometimes contribute to stigma and a sense of being defined by one’s condition.
Key Differences
Stigma Philosophical Approach: Perhaps the most significant difference is the philosophical approach. Recovery-Oriented Values emphasize personal empowerment, hope, and resilience, while the Medical Model focuses on symptom management and clinical intervention.
Role of a CPS: In the Recovery-Oriented Model, CPS serve as allies, role models, and facilitators of personal growth. In the Medical Model, their role may be more compliance-oriented, assisting with treatment adherence.
Language and Stigma: Recovery-Oriented Values promote person-first language and seek to reduce stigma, while the Medical Model may inadvertently contribute to stigma through diagnostic labels.
Goals: Recovery-Oriented Values prioritize holistic well-being and individualized goals, whereas the Medical Model often prioritizes symptom reduction.
To understand better the importance of the recovery-oriented model on the development of Certified Peer Specialist it is important to look back at the history and activism led by people with mental health diagnoses. The evolution of mental health approaches has undergone a significant transformation over the years, shifting from a purely medical model to one that emphasizes recovery and holistic well-being. This shift has been driven by a recognition of the importance of empowering individuals with mental health challenges to regain control of their lives and lead fulfilling, self-directed lives. Recovery-oriented values in mental health approaches have played a crucial role in this transformation, guiding professionals and policymakers towards a more person-centered and hopeful approach to mental health care. The history and key figures behind the development of recovery-oriented values in mental health approaches is rich and profound. Driven primarily by individuals living with mental health diagnoses and survivors of the asylum system in the 1960’s and 1970’s. Mental Health Partnerships was established over 75 years ago, and recovery-oriented values is in the DNA of every program and education initiative offered at MHP. While much progress has been made, there is still work to be done to fully integrate these values into mental health systems global. Nonetheless, the journey towards recovery-oriented care has already transformed countless lives, emphasizing that recovery is not only possible but achievable for individuals with mental health challenges.