Peer Coaching Program: Get Trained and Volunteer with Us

What is Peer Coaching?

Every day, families across the country navigate the heartbreaking realities of addiction. In 2023, over 107,000 people lost their lives to an overdose, and 17% of the U.S. population struggled with addiction. Nearly half of Americans, 46%, have a close friend or family member facing addiction. 

We know that when families are involved, outcomes improve for those who are struggling and for the family members themselves. However, families continue to be underappreciated and underutilized in solutions for addressing this addiction crisis. Most families do not have access to evidence-based strategies to support their loved ones. Instead, they experience stress, anxiety, isolation, stigma, and financial hardship. 

At Partnership to End Addiction, we believe families should not have to navigate these difficult times alone. This is why we created the Peer Coaching Program, a free, four-week service for connecting parents seeking support with trained peer coaches via text or phone. Our peer coaches are parents who have walked this path themselves and now offer compassionate, nonjudgmental support to others. 

Interested in becoming a Peer Coach at the Partnership?

Our training program equips future peer coaches with the skills needed to support parents navigating a loved one’s substance use. The training includes: 

• 24 hours of live Zoom sessions. Scheduling details will be confirmed before the program starts
• Homework assignments to reinforce learning 
• Using training simulations for hands-on practice 

Training Structure

Part 1: Intro to the Partnership Model

Builds foundational knowledge of addiction, behavior change, and evidence-based family support strategies. 

Topics Include:

• Understanding Your Loved One’s Substance Use 
• Understanding Yourself 
• Communication Tools for Stronger Connection  
• Behavior Tools That Support Change 
• Change, Ambivalence, and the Ups-and-Down Journey 
• New Perspectives

Part 2: The Art of Coaching

Focuses on how to coach effectively, applying communication and behavioral strategies in real-world scenarios. 

Topics Include:

• Peer Coaching Essentials: Foundations and Ethical Principles 
• Peer Coaching Frameworks 
• Communication Skills for Effective Coaching  
• Understanding Worldviews: Foundations for Connection  
• Exploring Assumptions and Reactions 
• Navigating Challenges in Coaching 

What does coaching involve?

Completing our training is the first step to becoming a peer coach. Afterward, participants will apply to become volunteers with the Partnership. Our team carefully reviews applications, considering performance and engagement throughout the training, to determine eligibility and fitness for a coaching role. 

Those selected to become peer coaches must meet the following commitments: 

• Time Commitment: Minimum one-year volunteer commitment. New coaches usually spend about 3 to 5 hours per week involved in peer coaching. 
• Role: All new coaches begin by coaching over text before moving on to phone-based coaching. 
• Clinical Support Meetings:Once coaching begins, attendance at a monthly clinical support meeting to discuss current cases and challenges.
• Continuing Education: Participation in a monthly continuing education meeting to deepen knowledge.

Am I eligible to be a Peer Coach at the Partnership?

If you have lived experience as a parent navigating your child’s substance use and feel ready to support others, we encourage you to apply. No professional background in counseling or addiction support is required; only your personal experience, empathy, and willingness to help others are needed. Ready to make a difference? Start with training and see where your journey takes you! 

When is the next training session?

Peer Coach Training takes place every Fall.

This interactive virtual training is designed to prepare parents and caregivers with lived experience to provide compassionate, family-centered peer support to others navigating a loved one’s substance use. Throughout the training, participants will develop practical coaching skills, explore evidence-based approaches, and build connections with a community of individuals who share a passion for helping families feel less alone.

While this training serves as the foundation for our Peer Coach volunteer program, completion of the training does not guarantee placement as a volunteer Peer Coach with Partnership to End Addiction. Following the training, participants who are interested may apply to become a volunteer Parent Coach, and applications will be reviewed based on current program needs and available opportunities.

Training Schedule

1. Dates: Saturdays, September 12 – October 17, 2026
2. Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM Eastern Time
3. Format: Virtual

Participation in all six sessions is required, as each week builds upon the last to create a comprehensive learning experience. Participants who successfully complete the program will receive a Certificate of Completion recognizing their dedication and the skills they have developed.

If you are interested in being a part of this cohort, please complete the form at the bottom of this page.

Are applications open for the next training session?

Yes, we are now accepting applications for the upcoming training session. 

How do I sign up?

Fill out the form below to apply to training.

If you represent a local organization or jurisdiction interested in bringing a Peer Coach Training to your community, please contact solutions@toendaddiction.org.

Review the Peer Support Terms of Use.

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