Dual Relationships in Mental Health Peer Support

Mental health peer support is a growing care modality; yet, understanding is limited regarding the ethical complexities that distinguish it from clinical mental health services. In particular, clinicians in mental health care do not navigate boundaries in the same way as peer workers, whose relationships with clients are notably different and may include interactions with clients outside designated support programs (“dual relationships”). Drawing on data from ongoing qualitative research, two researchers with lived experience of serious mental illness highlight the implications of dual relationships for both peer practice and research.