As CRSS Professionals it is important to both establish ourselves in the field of mental health and addictions, and to stake a claim to our unique importance to the field of mental health and addiction recovery.

Our lived experience and individual journeys are their own version of expertise. We believe we offer insight and perspective on mental health and addiction that may only be achieved directly, therefore we are distinct and integral to treatment research, development, and implementation.

While recognizing the need for entry level engagement based on where we are in our personal journeys, it should never be assumed that is the extent of our ability to contribute to the field. On the contrary, we are the living and breathing examples of what is working, what is not, and where the field of mental health and addictions care can improve, sharpen, and ask questions. 

We believe treating mental health and addiction involving treatment plans and substances can only be fully analyzed and understood by including the perspective of lived experience in professional discussion. 

Where budding research is concerned with psychedelics and alternative therapies not yet FDA approved, it is only responsible to consult with those in the field who have used these substances as tools in their own recoveries, so as to gain a full understanding of the experience, risks, and benefits, and how to responsibly work with the substance or treatment method. 

Moreover, it is only honest to recognize that such alternative therapy conversations would not be possible if not for those afflicted had not first discovered their use and begun first hand experimentation. It is in this population where you will find the wisdom from trial, error, and direct experience. 

We aim to further the goal of eliminating the mental health and addictions epidemic by supporting CRSS and peer support educational programs as legitimate paths to stability for individuals in recovery, and also by supporting the recognition of the wisdom that direct experience brings to the field. 

CRSSPA serves the additional purpose of establishing an arena where the longitudinal efficacy of these programs can be supported and recorded, so they may continue to receive funding, recognition, and traction.

We share an annual newsletter with updates, and take submissions for member recognition year round. We encourage you to submit your story or information about your program's successes in your community. Special recognition will go out to those demonstrating a great impact, by reach, dedication, or creative breakthroughs in research and theory will be recognized at our Annual Summit.