Why “You Don’t Get It” Matters: Peer Support in Crisis Response
When someone is in crisis, three words can shut down even the most well-meaning responder: you don’t get it. Sometimes they mean “I’ve asked for help before and nobody listened.” Sometimes they mean “I’m scared and I don’t know if I can trust you.” A peer support recovery specialist can answer with something no amount of training can replace: “I’ve been there.”
In this webinar, host Destinnee Vance, a crisis-certified peer support specialist and recovery advocate, is joined by Sean Daoust, a North Vancouver peer supporter with ten years in the field, and Pamela Coburn, who has worked in emergency departments, crisis intervention training, and Charlottesville’s co-response team. Together, they share how lived experience builds trust, lowers tension on scene, and keeps people connected to care long after the urgent moment has passed.
Whether you work in law enforcement, behavioral health, or community leadership, this session offers a closer look at what peers bring to a team and how you can bring that way of thinking into your own response, even if you don’t have a peer embedded yet.
What you can expect in this session:
- What peer support really is (and isn’t). Learn how peer specialists differ from clinical professionals, what boundaries and supervision they need, and why their role should be clearly defined on any team.
- Real stories from the field. Hear how peers on a co-response team approach first response, follow-ups, harm reduction, and calls where the real issue isn’t what it first appears to be.
- Support beyond the crisis. See how peers help people navigate wait lists, insurance, referrals, and the gap between an ER visit and ongoing care, including support for families.
- Challenges and community differences. Explore burnout, stigma, and building trust with partner agencies, plus a panel discussion on how different communities shape the peer role.
