Effectiveness of peer-delivered Center for Independent Living supports for individuals with psychiatric disabilities: A randomized, controlled trial.
The goal of this study was to examine the effectiveness of peer-delivered core services of Centers for Independent Living (CILs), which include advocacy, information and referral, skills training, and peer support.



Ninety-nine individuals with a schizophrenia-spectrum or affective disorder who identified at least 3 needs were recruited from mental health centers and randomly assigned to be contacted by a certified peer specialist at a local CIL (CIL condition) or services as usual (SAU condition). Data on community participation, recovery, empowerment, quality of life, and needs were obtained at baseline and 6 and 12 months postbaseline, along with responses to open-ended questions about supports received.



Participation in CIL supports was very limited. No differences were found in repeated measures analyses (Time × Condition). Post hoc analyses did show some positive results for those in the CIL condition. More than half of CIL participants described obtaining a substantive support in at least 1 area, and almost half of these resulted in some tangible new resource.



Engagement in CIL supports was very limited, as were outcomes. Nonetheless, numerous examples of supports across a broad range of areas were reported along with examples of how needs were met. CIL supports, which are widely available around the United States, may offer a unique philosophy and approach for addressing the needs of individuals with psychiatric disabilities and are deserving of additional study. (PsycINFO Database Record
Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Temple University.
Mark S
MS
Salzer
Mental Health Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania.
Joseph
J
Rogers
Liberty Resources.
Nancy
N
Salandra
Liberty Resources.
Conor
C
O'Callaghan
Liberty Resources.
Fran
F
Fulton
Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Temple University.
Alyssa A
AA
Balletta
Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Temple University.
Katie
K
Pizziketti
Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Temple University.
Eugene
E
Brusilovskiy
D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D006801:Humans; D057187:Independent Living; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D010379:Peer Group; D011209:Power, Psychological; D011788:Quality of Life