Peer providers are a growing workforce who have become increasingly essential for supporting long-term care needs and alleviating behavioral health workforce shortages. These workers often face stigma and low wages with limited opportunities for career growth.

This article describes a mixed-methods study that included a national panel of subject matter experts, site visits in four states, document reviews, and interviews with samples of multiple different stakeholders to examine what issues peer providers face as well as factors that contribute to a favorable policy environment for this workforce.