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Peer Support Services offered by Matthew
Peer support for good mental health is flexible, human, and shaped by what you bring to the conversation. You don’t need a diagnosis, a clear goal, or the “right words” to get started — just a willingness to talk. Support is available in Hamilton, Ontario, with virtual options available by arrangement. Learn more about peer support
Below are some of the ways peer support can help. You can also view peer support credentials to learn more about Matthew.
One-on-One Peer Support in Hamilton (Core Offering)
Private, confidential conversations with someone who understands mental health challenges from lived experience.
This may be helpful if you:
Feel overwhelmed, stuck, or emotionally drained
Want to talk openly without being analyzed or diagnosed
Are tired of explaining yourself to people who don’t quite get it
Sessions focus on listening, reflection, and support — at your pace, on your terms.
Support During Difficult Times & Life Transitions
Peer support during periods of change, uncertainty, or emotional strain.
This may include:
Grief or loss
Relationship changes
Housing or financial stress
Identity shifts or major life decisions
Support is grounding and steady, offering space to process what’s happening without pressure to “figure it out” right away.
Mental Health System Navigation & Peer Advocacy Support
Support for navigating mental health and social service systems with greater clarity and confidence.
This may include:
Preparing for appointments
Talking through options and next steps
Practicing self-advocacy
Identifying community resources in Hamilton
This is not legal or medical advice — it’s support from someone who has been there.
Recovery-Oriented Mental Health Peer Support
Support centred on your definition of recovery — not someone else’s checklist.
This may involve:
Exploring what wellness means to you
Building confidence and self-trust
Identifying strengths and supports
Reflecting on setbacks without shame
Recovery is not linear. Peer support respects that.
WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan) Support
Peer support for people using or curious about WRAP tools to support wellness and resilience.
This can include:
Talking through WRAP concepts
Exploring triggers and early warning signs
Identifying tools that actually work for you
WRAP support is collaborative and practical, not instructional or prescriptive.
Support During Periods of Distress (Non-Clinical)
Peer support during times of heightened emotional distress.
This focuses on:
Emotional presence and grounding
Feeling less alone in the moment
Exploring coping strategies that feel manageable
This service does not replace emergency or crisis services, but can be supportive alongside them or during less acute moments.
Trauma-Informed & Harm-Reduction-Informed Peer Support
Support that prioritizes emotional safety, choice, and respect.
This may be helpful if you:
Have experienced trauma
Are impacted by substance use or eating-related challenges
Want support that is non-judgmental and non-directive
You decide what you want to talk about and how fast things move.
What Peer Support Is — and Isn’t
Peer support is:
Non-clinical
Non-diagnostic
Collaborative
Grounded in lived experience
It is not therapy, counselling, or medical treatment, and no outcomes are promised or guaranteed. Read about the scope of peer support.
Not Sure Where to Start?
That’s okay.
Many people begin with a general one-on-one session and see where things go from there. Peer support adapts to what you bring — there’s no need to choose the “right” service in advance.
Peer support may be a good fit for adults in Hamilton who are seeking mental health support without therapy, value lived experience, or want support navigating emotional challenges, recovery, or mental health systems in a non-clinical way.
Session Fees
• Virtual sessions:
– $25 for 30 minutes
– $45 for 60 minutes
• In-person sessions (Hamilton):
– $35 for 30 minutes
– $55 for 60 minutes
In-person rates reflect travel time and costs. In-person sessions are available within Hamilton and are subject to availability.
Peer support services are available from: 6pm–10pm, Monday through Friday, 10am-4pm on Weekends.
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