[The irresistible deployment of peer professionals in mental health]. / L'irrésistible déploiement des pairs professionnels en santé mentale.

ABSTRACT

Over the last fifteen years or so in France, the deployment of peer professionals in mental health seems to have accelerated. The benefits of peer support have been widely demonstrated. It is based on the experiential knowledge acquired by certain patients who have recovered during their course of treatment, which can be passed on by positive identification, stimulating hope and motivation. These unique skills are then complemented by more theoretical knowledge sanctioned by a diploma that legitimises the future professionals and gives them access to undisputed recognition to work alongside pre-existing systems. However, it is not always easy to integrate them into health and social teams.