For people dealing with mental health issues, the treatment process can be intimidating.

Hoping to ease the trepidation of those needing help, the Center for Community Resources has started the Peer Specialist Program.

CCR is a Butler agency that coordinates support services for county residents dealing with mental health, mental retardation and substance abuse issues.

Under the peer program, people who already have overcome their own mental health issues help those still suffering.

Jennifer Bindernagel, manager of CCR outreach services, said the one-on-one relationship significantly aids the recovery process.

Unlike many of the professionals providing treatment, the peer specialists can relate to the patients because of their own real-life experiences, she said.

Dolly Barnes, one of CCR's two certified peer specialists, summed up the goal as offering people hope: "There is light at the end of tunnel."

Peer specialist Maurice Dorsey agreed, saying his job is to help individuals so they realize it's possible to still lead productive lives.

Since the program started in December, 10 county residents have enrolled.

Any mental health provider can refer a patient to the program. People also can enroll themselves.

Bindernagel is enthusiastic about the program's implementation.

"It's a whole new model to assist individuals in the county," she said.

Along with the regular cases, the peer specialists have a weekly outreach to Butler Memorial Hospital and group homes.

Dorsey said patients who are hesitant to talk with social workers or psychologists find it easier to speak with people who were in the same situation at one time.

Bindernagel praised both peer specialists, citing their efforts.

"I call these guys pick-me-ups," she said.

CCR's two peer specialists empathize with the people who rely on their services.

Barnes of Butler has a bipolar disorder and is a recovering drug addict.

While working as a bartender years ago, Barnes developed a cocaine habit. She spent years going in and out of rehab.

In the early 1980s, Barnes was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Instead of seeking proper treatment, she sought other means.

"I was self-medicating," she said.

The disorder caused Barnes to stay in her house away from other people.

"Any little thing overwhelmed me," she said.

Nearly three years ago, Barnes had enough and underwent intensive treatment, ending with a stay in the Domicillary at the Butler Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Butler Township.

When CCR began accepting applications for peer specialist training, Barnes set up an interview.

Barnes and Dorsey, also of Butler, were selected to receive 80 hours of training to become certified peer specialists.

Barnes enjoys her work, saying it provides feelings of self-worth.

Dorsey served in the Army during the Vietnam War, being awarded a Bronze Star.

Once he returned home to New Jersey, he didn't feel comfortable, longing for the Asian jungle instead.

Staying in the Army stateside, Dorsey began having nightmares and started using cocaine. After 21 years of service, the Army pushed him to retire.

Dorsey became more upset and his drug addiction worsened.

He went through two different stints in rehabilitation before eventually ending up in Butler at the VA center, where his mental state finally improved.

"Between God, the VA hospital and myself, we decided I was going to make it," he said.

The peer program, which is the culmination of planning begun more than a year ago, is part of a state Department of Public Welfare initiative.

Although all Pennsylvania counties are required to have peer specialists, fewer than 10 have them.

Mike Robb, executive director of CCR, is glad the county is ahead of the curve in implementing the program

"The need is out there," he said.

Robb said many people with mental health issues don't want to come forward.

"They're afraid of what someone will think," he said.

Barnes agreed that's a tough obstacle to overcome.

"I didn't want to tell anybody," she said of her own problems.

Along with his own experiences, Dorsey is motivated to be a peer specialist to prevent what happened to his uncle, who lived in a mental institution from age 17 to 68.

Because of the stigma attached to mental problems, Dorsey's uncle was virtually abandoned by his family.

"Even my father didn't go to see him," Dorsey said.

Dorsey believes if his uncle had received the help he needed, he could would not have remained in the institution as long.

"I don't want to see that happen to anyone," he said.

Anyone needing help with mental health issues can call CCR's 24-hour emergency hotline at 800-292-3866.

To enroll in the peer specialist program, call the CCR office at 724-431-0097.