title: Lessons learned from two peer-led mutual support groups.
abstract: This case report and analysis describe the formation of two peer-led mutual support groups conducted within the context of a Veterans Administration Medical Center. Based on our assessment of the success of one of these groups and the failure of the other, we offer several recommendations and suggestions to help promote this modality. More specifically, we hypothesize that such groups are more likely to be successful (1) if participants are transferred en masse from another group, (2) that, at least initially, housing the group in the same context as formal clinician-led groups or overlapping clinician-led and peer-led groups may help smooth the transition from authority-led treatment to a mutual peer support format, and finally, (3) that prior experiences in interpersonal process groups may promote the skills and cohesion to promote successful transition to mutual support.
authors.affiliation: Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, North Little Rock, AR 72114, USA. kristen.viverito@va.gov
authors.forename: Kristen M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Viverito
authors.forename: Scott A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Cardin
authors.forename: Leigh Ann
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.forename: Richard R
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Owen
mesh_terms: D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D006126:Group Processes; D006127:Group Structure; D006787:Hospitals, Veterans; D006801:Humans; D007857:Leadership; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D010379:Peer Group; D013811:Psychotherapeutic Processes; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D012931:Social Environment; D016312:Treatment Refusal / Q000523:psychology; D014728:Veterans / Q000523:psychology*