Uplifting Our Voices: Exploring the Lived Experiences of Black Certified Peer Specialists in the Behavioral Health System and Their Recommendations for Dismantling Racism Restricted; Files Only
Burton-Anderson, Lindsey (Spring 2023)
Abstract
Introduction: Certified Peer Specialists (CPS) of Color are essential to the success of the Behavioral Health System (BHS) and may be in a unique position to help address racism and disparities. CPS are individuals with lived experiences of a psychiatric and/or substance use disorder who provide recovery-oriented support services to people with psychiatric conditions.
Methods: This qualitative study included 10 participants who engaged in one-time, in-depth semi-structured interviews. Our guiding theoretical frameworks were Critical Race Theory (CRT) and Intersectionality Theory (IT). The purpose of the interviews was to gain a deeper understanding of the experiences of Black CPS in the state of Georgia, with a focus on experiences with racism and discrimination. We also synthesized participants’ recommendations for mental health professionals and organizations. These recommendations intended to address systemic racism and be implemented by organizations that employ peers.
Results: Our data suggests that navigating the BHS, emotional response, and self-empowerment are all strongly tied to the experiences of Black CPS. The common threads across the diverse lived experiences of Black people in a system rife with social hierarchies and unfair policies and practices were their reactions, or lack thereof, to racism and discrimination, the importance of social support, and the act of standing up for oneself. Recommendations suggested by participants include zero tolerance workplace, cultural humility training, listening to CPS, engaging in active self-reflexivity, and addressing racism in society.
Conclusions: Ultimately, our findings highlight the urgent need for anti-racist interventions and policies to address these systemic issues and support the empowerment of Black CPS in behavioral health care.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Definition of Terms. 1
Chapter I: Introduction and Statement of the Problem and Purpose. 2
Introduction and Problem.. 2
Theoretical Framework. 3
Critical Race Theory. 3
Intersectionality Theory. 4
Purpose. 5
Chapter II: Review of the Literature. 7
Mental Health Movements & Peer Support 7
Peer Support Workforce. 10
Peer Support Services. 11
Racism and Workplace Silencing. 12
Impact of Racism on Mental Health. 13
Racism in the BHS. 14
Workplace Silencing. 15
Addressing Racism in the BHS. 16
Theoretical Framework. 17
Critical Race Theory & Intersectionality Theory in the Behavioral Health System.. 18
Chapter III: Methodology. 20
Introduction. 20
Recruitment and Eligibility. 21
Procedures and Privacy Measures. 22
Data Collection. 23
Data Analysis Methodology. 23
Self-Reflexivity and Positionality Statement 24
Chapter IV: Results. 25
Theme 1: Navigating the Behavioral Health System.. 25
Theme 2: Emotional Response. 26
Theme 3: Self-Empowerment 31
Recommendations. 34
Chapter V: Conclusions, Implications, and Recommendations. 36
Discussion of Key Results. 36
Recommendations for Dismantling Racism and Discrimination in the BHS. 40
Recommendation 1: Zero Tolerance for Workplace Racism and Discrimination. 41
Recommendation 2: Cultural Competency and Humility Training. 41
Recommendation 3: Listen to CPS. 42
Recommendation 4: Active Self-Reflexivity. 43
Recommendation 5: Addressing Racism in Society. 43
Strengths and Limitations. 44
Conclusion. 45
References. 47
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File download under embargo until 18 May 2025 | 2023-04-20 20:15:55 -0400 | File download under embargo until 18 May 2025 |
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