Models of Supervision Relevant To Peer or Lived Experience Workforce Within Mental Health: A Scoping Review

Abstract This scoping review explores the alignment between clinical supervision models and the values underpinning Peer Work within the mental health sector. Peer Work, grounded in lived experience and principles of empowerment, mutuality, and recovery, has become an integral component of mental health services in Australia and internationally. Despite its growing presence, Peer Work lacks a defined supervision framework tailored to its unique ethos. Using the PRISMA-ScR methodology and Arksey and O’Malley’s five-stage framework, 2,434 records were screened, resulting in 23 studies that met the inclusion criteria. These studies were analysed against the six foundational pillars of Peer Work as defined by Mind Australia. Findings indicate that while several clinical supervision models, such as the Seven-Eyed Model, DBT-informed supervision, and strengths-based approaches demonstrate theoretical alignment with Peer Work values, practical implementation remains limited. Recovery orientation and empowerment were the most commonly aligned themes, while trauma-informed care and inclusivity were less frequently addressed. The review highlights a critical gap in supervision tailored to Peer Workers and calls for further qualitative research and co-designed frameworks to ensure supervision practices uphold the integrity of Peer Work. Without such development, there is a risk of diluting Peer Work’s transformative potential within traditional clinical systems.