How to Get a Friend
In order to request a friend, you must have your mental health provider fill out a referral packet and send it to Compeer Lancaster for review.
Referral Packet
If you have questions, please contact the Compeer office at (717)-397-7461 or by emailing mha@mhalancaster.org
For Mental Health Providers
Clients must be referred by a qualified mental health professional who is engaged in an ongoing clinical relationship with the client.
A mental health professional must be trained or licensed in social work, psychology, case management or be a medical doctor.
The mental health professional must know the client, see him/her for treatment on a regular basis and be willing to be consulted for intervention and consultation as situations or crisis occur.
Clients must have a primary diagnosis of mental illness and be appropriate for referral to the Compeer program.
Referral Criteria
Potential to benefit from the kind of social interaction a volunteer friend is able to provide
Willing and desiring to be matched with a volunteer friend
Willing to participate in a volunteer program
Dependable in keeping appointments and returning phone calls
Not currently homeless, at risk of becoming homeless, in prison or hospitalized
Has at least a rudimentary insight into their illness and are aware of the importance of maintaining a professional therapeutic alliance with the referring mental health professional throughout the duration of the Compeer match