A consumer tells a Peer Support Specialist they are struggling to create a plan for managing future behavioral health crises. What action would the Peer Support Specialist take to support the consumer?

• A. Refer the consumer to resources that can help with their planning.
• B. Suggest the consumer visit their health care provider to create a plan.
• C. Help the consumer come up with a plan together.
• D. Create a plan for the consumer without assistance from them.

Answer: (B)

When a consumer needs a crisis plan, the peer supports role is to connect them with professional care and help them be central in the process. Suggesting they speak with their health care provider to create a plan ensures the plan is medically appropriate, safe, and integrated with their ongoing treatment. The peer can still support by helping the consumer prepare for the visit, articulate their needs and preferences, gather relevant information, and, if helpful, accompany them or assist with follow-up. Creating a formal plan is typically within the clinical domain, so guiding the consumer toward a clinician to co-create the plan respects boundaries while empowering the consumer to participate actively in their own care.