Wellness Coaching: A New Role for Peers

Topic: This brief report presents the conceptual framework for the development of the peer wellness coach role including the definition of a new job role for peer providers and an overview of the knowledge and skills required for this role. Purpose: People with serious mental illnesses are at greater risk of living with untreated chronic medical conditions that severely impact their quality of life and result in premature mortality. Wellness coaching represents an intervention that can help individuals persist in the pursuit of individually chosen health and wellness goals. Sources Used: Literature and our personal and professional experiences developing this role and training are presented. Conclusions and Implications for Practice: Wellness coaching seems an ideal role for peers in recovery that has potential to address health and wellness issues facing persons living with mental illnesses who are at high risk of comorbid medical conditions.