This special section of Psychological Services is devoted to the most recent work on services provided by peer specialists. As individuals who have overcome obstacles in life and who are trained to provide services to others with similar life challenges, peer specialists promote recovery, foster resilience, and build on patients' strengths to support community integration and help them lead more fulfilling lives. Expanding beyond the basic peer specialist model, this special section showcases innovative programs that more fully utilize peer specialists such as partnering with them in treatment engagement as well as successfully moving into new arenas such as suicide prevention. This special section speaks to both the increasing range of work peer specialists are engaging in and how their roles are growing in complexity. It also explores the impact this discipline is having on systems of care and provides research on approaches to optimize their implementation.

Lower rates of computer use, Internet, and cell phone technologies were observed among veterans with serious mental illnesses compared to general population surveys. Sociodemographic barriers likely impede access to technology among veterans with serious mental illnesses. Providing financial resources and associated education and training to veterans with serious mental illnesses could increase access to helpful technology-based interventions in a population that traditionally experiences service gaps. (PsycINFO Database Record

This chapter focuses on peer support: when individuals with lived experience of mental illness provide support to others with similar lived experiences. It specifically explores peer support in the behavioral health workforce. It offers a comprehensive overview of peer support by addressing what peer support is, why it is needed, and what it does to effect change. It also provides a review of the effectiveness research on peer support, specific roles of peer supporters in practice, and ways to more effectively partner with peer supporters in the behavioral health field. Last a case example is given to highlight the efforts and lessons learned implementing peer supporters in the US Department of Veterans Affairs.

As professions evolve, they become increasingly specialized. Psychology is one such profession that recognizes the need for unique knowledge and abilities for clinical practice with particular populations. There is a demonstrated need for such advanced skill in the assessment and treatment of serious mental illness (SMI) and the provision of evidence-based interventions that comprise psychosocial rehabilitation (PSR) for SMI. Postdoctoral residency is an opportunity to receive specific training in the provision of PSR services for those with SMI. However, there are few opportunities for such education and training, and there is little research on the impact of such training. This article summarizes the outcomes of a PSR/SMI psychology residency at a large, Northeastern Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Program data of residents' self-ratings at the beginning and end of the training year suggest that the postdoctoral training program contributes to increased self-confidence both as an entry-level psychologist (7 out of 7 domains increased, p Ͻ .05), and also as a PSR practitioner (6 out of 7 domains increased, p Ͻ .05). A majority of residents from the program went on to SMI/PSR-related jobs immediately postresidency. Results demonstrate that postdoctoral psychology training can provide trainees with the confidence to work as a psychologist and PSR practitioner working with individuals with SMI.

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