What is the role distinction between a recovery coach and a peer support specialist in CCAR contexts?

• A. A recovery coach is a clinician who delivers therapy.
• B. The roles are identical.
• C. A recovery coach provides coaching and navigation services; peer support offers lived-experience-based recovery support; both roles may collaborate but have different training and scopes.
• D. Peer support specialists are licensed medical doctors.

Answer: (C)

In CCAR contexts, the key distinction is that recovery coaching focuses on coaching and navigation, while peer support centers on lived-experience-based recovery support. A recovery coach helps individuals plan their recovery, set goals, and connect with non-clinical services and resources. They assist with practical steps, like scheduling, transportation, and coordinating supports, but they do not provide therapy or medical treatment. A peer support specialist draws on their own recovery experience to offer mutual, hopeful support, modeling recovery, sharing strategies, and helping others build social connections and empowerment. They may have specific peer certifications and focus on fostering a sense of hope and community rather than delivering coaching or case management.

Both roles can work together to support someone, but they come from different training and operate under different scopes of practice.