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What Is Youth Peer Support? A Guide for New York Families

November 4, 2026

Teens and young adults often open up more easily to someone close to their own age who has been through similar struggles. That is the idea behind youth peer support, one of New York's Children and Family Treatment and Support Services (CFTSS) for young people with behavioral health needs.

What youth peer support is

New York's Medicaid manual describes youth peer support as formal and informal services and supports for youth with behavioral health needs. A licensed practitioner decides that it is needed, and it becomes part of the young person's treatment plan.

The state makes the service available from birth to age 21. At FSS NY, our youth peer support program works with young people ages 13 to 21, for up to 12 hours a week.

Who provides it

Youth peer support comes from Youth Peer Advocates (YPAs): young adults ages 18 to 30 who have their own first-hand experience with emotional or behavioral challenges, and who hold a state credential. Read how to become a Youth Peer Advocate.

What a youth peer advocate does

• Builds trust, sharing their own story where it helps
• Teaches coping skills and practices them with the young person
• Helps young people speak up for themselves at school, at home and in treatment
• Supports the goals the young person sets, from school to work to friendships
• Connects young people to activities and resources in their community

How it differs from therapy

A therapist treats; a peer advocate walks alongside. Peer support works next to clinical care, not in place of it.

How families get started

Youth peer support is a Medicaid service. Call or text FSS NY at 516-400-3040 or email info@fssny.org. Our intake team explains the program and matches your child with a peer advocate. We also offer adult peer support for people 18 and older. Learn more on our peer support page.

Questions?

Call or text 516-400-3040. Email info@fssny.org about programs or staff@fssny.org about jobs.

More From Our Blog

• How to Become a Youth Peer Advocate in New York
• How to Become a Certified Peer Specialist in New York
• How to Become a Respite Provider in New York City