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20 Years of Research on Peer ServicesWhy Study Peer Related Research?Mental Health Peer Services have dramatically grown – now more peer services than traditional.How many studies were reviewed?Out of the original 126, 48 were both scientifically correct (rigor)and asked research questions that had meaning. In all, 48 were reviewed.What was learned? 1. Peer providers deliver services resulting in similar outcomes to those of professionals.2. Peer services when added to traditional services did not change outcomes, but peers provided distinctive skills and experiences helpful to engagement & retention.3. In peer groups, outcomes can improve if members attend regularly.4. Some peer group services such as Vet to Vet found that those who used the program regularly had better outcomes.5. Two studies of peer run residences show modest evidence of effectiveness.Summarized from the Boston University Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation Knowledge Dissemination Project funded by NIDRR under Grant # (H133A050006)