When individuals come to Lakeview Center seeking help, they often arrive during one of the most difficult moments of their lives. As a certified recovery peer specialist, Brian Johnson uses his own recovery journey to help others take their first steps toward healing.

“Every single client, I explain to them who I am, a little bit about my mental health past, my diagnosis and how long I’ve been in recovery. They’re talking to somebody who has already been in their shoes.”

Peer specialists play a distinct role within the treatment team. While clinicians provide diagnosis, treatment planning and therapeutic interventions, peer specialists help bridge the gap between clinical care and personal connection.

As Shannon Spann, director of Lakeview Center’s Central Access department, explains, clinicians bring professional expertise, but peer specialists bring something equally important.

“They’re modeling what recovery looks like. They can speak to it and share more of their experiences in a more authentic way, in a more open way.”

Brian’s perspective is shaped not only by his professional training, but also by his service as a veteran and his own experience living with PTSD. Having faced the challenges of trauma, substance use and recovery, he understands many of the fears and uncertainties clients bring with them when they first seek help.

One example involved a young client who struggled to participate during her assessment and didn’t want to talk. After meeting Brian’s service dog, Homer, she became more comfortable and was able to engage fully in the conversation.

For Brian, recovery is not simply about overcoming challenges. It’s about maintaining progress and using those experiences to help others find hope. “The whole point of my recovery is to help others.”

Brian wants people to know that recovery is possible and that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. “Nobody is above help, and nobody is below help. Everybody can get help. Everybody can get better.”

At Lakeview Center, peer specialists like Brian demonstrate that recovery is possible. Their lived experience provides encouragement, understanding and proof that healing can happen, helping clients see a future beyond their current struggles.

Every day, 50 new people reach out to Lakeview Center for help with mental health or addiction. To support compassionate team members like Brian who are meeting this growing community need, donate online.