An Assessment of Innovative Models of Peer Support Services in Behavioral Health to Reduce Preventable Acute Hospitalization and Readmissions

Recurrent psychiatric hospitalizations and emergency department (ED) utilization is common among those with serious mental illness resulting in excessively high health care costs, and preventable overuse of services. Peer support services are a recognized part of team-based care for behavioral health conditions. This study examines peer support service programs and their service models, approaches, and practice methods used to reduce preventable psychiatric hospitalization, re-hospitalization, and ED use. A three-level framework is presented to illustrate the findings of the study.