r/PeerSupportSpecialist

Hey. So where I'm from in Ohio, there seems to an emerging trend for substance abuse treatment agencies. First of all, many are for profit. They are technically outpatient services, PHP, iop, etc, but they are in recovery housing by the same company. So basically inpatient, but not inpatient.

But the really weird thing is the food situation. Because they're technically in outpatient, they're responsible for their own food. But unlike normal outpatient clients that have supports and things situated before they arrive in treatment, these guys are often showing up with one day clean. Which obviously makes no sense for outpatient, but nobody seems to care.

Anyway, so then peer supports and case managers are somehow supposed to go to food banks for these guys multiple times each before they get their food stamps situated, while the company makes thousands of dollars off of each one. It feels very unethical to do this. The clients meet the guidelines, obviously, but it just doesn't seem right.

I’m a therapist in Florida, and I work with a lot of men. I’m interested in getting involved in work around men’s mental health or healing some of the mistrust, resentment, and disconnect between men and women.

I’ve been thinking about what this work could look like beyond individual or group practices, such as community conversations, workshops, or a grassroots project where people can feel heard and better understand each other’s experiences.

Before trying to build something from scratch, I’d like to know what’s already available. I’d be interested in joining an established project and working alongside others who also care about this.

I’ve asked around in my local mental health community but haven’t had much luck so far. I’m open to local efforts or projects based elsewhere that offer ways to get involved remotely.

Does anyone know of organizations, projects, or groups doing this kind of work? I’d also appreciate hearing from anyone who’s been involved in one.