New Profile Report: Peer Specialist Shortages Are Widespread Across State Behavioral Health Systems, 2026

This 2026 NRI State Profiles highlight report reviews the use of Peer Specialists in state behavioral health systems. The report identifies shortages of peer specialists reported by states in various behavioral health settings, state initiatives to recruit and retain peer specialists, use of Medicaid to reimburse peer specialists, salaries of peer specialists in state hospitals, what agencies/organizations certify peer specialists, and state policies about criminal background checks for peer specialists.

Profiles reports are available at: www.nri-inc.org/profiles. State Mental Health Agency staff have access to detailed accompanying materials through the NRI’s State Profiles restricted access website. Please contact NRI at [email protected] with any questions or comments.