What is a key advocacy strategy used by peer counselors for mental health?

Supporting systemic change in health care is a key advocacy strategy used by peer counselors for mental health because it addresses the broader issues affecting individuals and communities rather than focusing on isolated instances. Peer counselors understand that mental health challenges often arise from systemic barriers, such as inadequate access to services, stigma, and insufficient resources. By advocating for systemic change, peer counselors work to create an environment that promotes equity, improves access to mental health care, and enhances overall support systems for individuals experiencing mental health challenges.

This focus allows peer counselors to empower not only themselves but also those they support, fostering a community-centric approach that seeks to dismantle the larger structures that contribute to mental health disparities. It emphasizes collaboration, advocacy, and sustained engagement with policy-makers and health systems to create lasting improvements in mental health care access and quality for all individuals.