Business Details
40 Years
experience
Peer-Run Mental Health Advocacy & Technical Assistance
We are a peer-run national technical assistance and resource center dedicated to fostering recovery, self-determination, and community inclusion for individuals with lived experience of mental health conditions. Founded in 1986 by Joseph Rogers, we pioneered the movement for social justice of people with psychiatric diagnoses and remain the first national technical assistance center established and operated by individuals with mental health conditions. Our work connects people to self-help and advocacy resources while providing expertise on peer-run groups and organizations.We publish the monthly Key Update e-newsletter, curate a national directory of consumer-driven services, and collaborate with institutions like the Temple University Collaborative on Community Inclusion to advance our mission. With decades of experience, we offer policy consultation, training, and resources to mental health professionals, policymakers, and advocacy organizations nationwide.
Services
Technical Assistance
Policy Consultation
Peer Support Training
Resource Directory
Advocacy Education
Details
- Year established: 1986
Highlights and features
- Founded as the first peer-run national technical assistance center for mental health consumers
- 40+ years combined leadership experience in mental health policy and advocacy
- Developed groundbreaking peer-support frameworks adopted nationwide
- Direct connection to consumer-driven service networks and advocacy organizations
- Recognized experts with awards from SAMHSA, American College of Mental Health Administration, and more
What people say
Groundbreaking work
Expert leadership
Essential resource
Policy influence
Lived experience valued
Services
Technical Assistance
We provide expert technical assistance to peer-run organizations, mental health professionals, and policymakers. Our services include program development guidance, policy implementation support, and best practice recommendations tailored to community-based mental health initiatives. With decades of experience, we help organizations build sustainable peer-support frameworks and advocacy programs.
Peer Support Training
Our training programs develop peer support specialists through curriculum on recovery principles, advocacy strategies, and service delivery. We offer webinars, in-person workshops, and resource materials to build capacity in peer-run services. Trainings emphasize lived experience integration into professional mental health systems.
Resource Directory
We maintain the national Consumer-Driven Services Directory connecting individuals to peer-run programs and advocacy organizations. The directory serves as a critical resource for finding community-based mental health support options. While currently unavailable, we continue developing this tool to enhance accessibility for service users nationwide.
Policy Consultation
Our experts provide policy consultation to government agencies, healthcare systems, and advocacy groups. We advise on mental health reform, rights protection, and community integration strategies. Our team has influenced national legislation and helped shape peer-support service standards across multiple states.
Publications
We produce the monthly Key Update e-newsletter featuring mental health research, policy updates, and advocacy tools. Our publications include technical assistance guides, webinar recordings, and educational materials on peer specialist roles. These resources support professionals and consumers in advancing recovery-oriented practices.
People
Joseph Rogers
Founder & Executive Director
Mental health advocate with 40+ years experience, architect of national peer-support frameworks, Heinz Award recipient, and key figure in closing institutional psychiatric facilities while expanding community-based care.
Susan Rogers
Director
Award-winning mental health writer and advocate with expertise in public relations, policy education, and training development. Recipient of the Clifford W. Beers Award and Judi Chamberlin Joy in Advocacy Award.
Questions
What services does the Clearinghouse provide?
We offer technical assistance, policy consultation, peer support training, resource directories, and educational publications focused on mental health recovery and advocacy.
Who benefits from Clearinghouse programs?
Our services support individuals with mental health conditions, peer specialists, advocacy organizations, mental health professionals, and policymakers seeking to implement recovery-oriented practices.
What is the Key Update newsletter?
Our monthly e-newsletter featuring mental health research updates, policy developments, advocacy tools, and peer-support program information.
Is the CDS Directory available?
The Consumer-Driven Services Directory is temporarily unavailable but remains a core part of our resource offerings when accessible.
What mental health advocacy experience do staff have?
Our team includes pioneers of the modern mental health consumer movement with decades of policy influence, program development, and national award recognition.
