Peer Wellness

Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS)

Youth will be paired with a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist for the duration of their program participation

Support Groups

Support groups are essential to recovery and wellness. RICYW offers monthly recovery support groups for youth and young adults in active recovery from substance or alcohol use. Group participation is voluntary and confidential.

1:1 Coaching

Youth in active recovery will receive, as part of their participation in the PRS Program, one-to-one coaching. The CPRS Coach will promote accountability, aid in goal setting, and wraparound care management.

Crisis Prevention & Stabilization

Voluntary participants will receive CHW-informed early intervention services for youth experiencing instability or elevated mental health needs. Additionally, connection to crisis services and ongoing follow-up.

Youth Wellness Navigation

Certified CHW

Voluntary participants will receive 1:1 access to a certified community health worker. The CHW in partnership with the participating youth, will work together to identify needs, mitigate barriers, and assist in the attainment of their goals.

Advocacy

Our certified community health workers are trained advocates operating in their communities to promote wellbeing and self-efficacy.

Systems Navigation

Our CHW Program specializes with assisting youth in navigating the various systems of care throughout their journey toward independence.

Additional Services

Housing Navigation and Tenancy Support

Specialized CHW services helping youth access transitional and permanent housing, understand tenant rights, and maintain stable housing through coaching and crisis intervention strategies.

Warm Hand-offs

Providing seamless coordination and personal accompaniment to therapy, psychiatric services, and substance use treatment programs, ensuring no youth falls through the cracks.

Mentorship In Community

Matching transition-age youth with peer mentors (slightly older lived-experience leaders) to provide long-term relational support focused on goal setting, resilience, and community building.

How to refer a youth:



Youth can be referred to RICYW through multiple pathways, including:


  • Self-Referral (youth can contact us directly)
  • Community-Based Referrals (shelters, schools, FQHCs, community health centers, peer-run organizations)
  • Public Systems Referrals (DCYF*, BHDDH, Medicaid MCOs, disability services)
  • Family or Caregiver Referral (with youth consent)
  • Other Youth or Peer Referrals (word-of-mouth and peer advocate outreach)


Note: Youth consent is prioritized at every stage. Referrals without youth consent will not be pursued unless legally mandated (e.g., court-ordered services).   


*Currently not accepting DCYF-direct referrals.

Key features of the RICYW referral process:


Low-Barrier Access: No ID, insurance, or documentation required to start.


Warm, Peer-Led Engagement: First contacts are made by someone with lived experience.


Youth Voice and Choice: Every step is framed around empowerment and autonomy.


Trauma-Informed: Flexible, judgment-free, healing-centered approach.


Culturally Responsive: Intake materials and interactions adapted for different languages, cultures, gender identities, and disabilities.