Pilot Test of Using Peer Specialists to Deliver Cognitive-Behavioral Social Skills Training

A pilot study of Veterans with serious mental illness assessed fidelity and preliminary outcomes of peer specialist (PS)-delivered Cognitive-Behavioral Social Skills Training (CBSST). A single-arm, baseline-post pilot involved 4 PSs and 12 Veterans, split between two sites. Five functioning and symptom measures were administered before and after the 12-week intervention. Half of all sessions were rated on a standardized fidelity measure. Four outcomes (symptoms, hope, defeatist attitudes, skill learning) showed statistically significant improvement. Effect sizes and fidelity ratings matched previous trials with the training, and the fidelity ratings exceeded the threshold for competence. Although more research is needed, PSs could improve services for serious mental illness by delivering structured interventions.