Which types of services are included in the scope of the CRSS?

The focus of the Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) role is centered on providing services that facilitate recovery from mental health and substance use issues. Recovery support, advocacy, and mentoring are directly aligned with the mission of a CRSS, which is to assist individuals in their recovery journey. This involves offering guidance, building supportive relationships, and advocating for individuals to access resources that can aid in their recovery process.

Recovery support encompasses a variety of activities, including helping individuals navigate recovery systems, providing emotional support, and encouraging the development of coping skills. Advocacy ensures that clients' rights and needs are voiced and addressed, empowering them to take charge of their recovery. Mentoring provides individuals with role models who have experienced similar challenges and can inspire hope through their own recovery stories.

In contrast, the other service types listed, such as medical treatment, clinical therapy, and research, fall outside the primary responsibilities of a CRSS. While those roles are crucial in the treatment landscape, they are more aligned with healthcare providers who have specific clinical training and are licensed to perform those functions. Thus, the scope of the CRSS is distinctively focused on supportive and community-based recovery efforts.