RHD Allies

RHD Allies is a community-based peer support program focused on mental health recovery. While we are not limited to individuals involved in the criminal justice system, we have specialized experience supporting people navigating re-entry and life after legal involvement. Our team provides compassionate, peer-led services that promote stability, connection, and long-term recovery.

Why Forensic Peer Support Programs Are Needed

• A significant number of individuals involved in the criminal justice system live with behavioral health needs. Estimates suggest that approximately 1 in 5 incarcerated adults has a serious mental illness, and many also experience co-occurring substance use disorders.
• More broadly, over 40% of people in jails and prisons have a history of mental health conditions, highlighting the need for accessible, community-based support.
• Millions of individuals with mental health conditions cycle through U.S. jails each year, often without consistent access to treatment or recovery supports.
• Approximately 700,000 people return to their communities from prisons annually, many facing barriers related to housing, employment, healthcare access, and ongoing recovery.
• Individuals with behavioral health needs who are impacted by the criminal justice system often encounter significant challenges to stability and reintegration, including stigma, fragmented systems of care, and limited access to peer-based support.
• Forensic Peer Specialists are individuals with lived experience of mental health and/or substance use recovery, as well as involvement in the criminal justice system. They use their lived experience to provide support, mentorship, advocacy, and hope to others navigating similar challenges.
• Peer support services complement clinical treatment by building trust, promoting engagement, and empowering individuals in their recovery. Connecting with someone who has shared lived experience offers a unique and effective pathway to recovery.

Who We Serve

• Adults (18 years of age and older), including individuals in the Transitional Age Youth (18–24) population
• Individuals who reside in Allegheny County
• Individuals with a diagnosed mental health condition, including co-occurring substance use disorders
• Individuals who may have involvement with the criminal justice system (not required for participation)
• Individuals who agree to participate in peer support services
• Individuals who are not currently receiving peer support services from another Peer Support provider
  • Note: Individuals enrolled in other programs or services may still be eligible; however, peer support services cannot be duplicated across providers.
• Individuals who experience moderate to severe functional impairment that interferes with or limits role performance in at least one (1) of the following life domains:
  • • • Living/self-maintenance
      • Learning
      • Working
      • Socializing

Referrals

Referrals are welcome from a variety of sources, including:

• • • HSAO/Justice Related Services
    • Self-referral
    • Schools, hospitals, and community-based providers

To begin services, a recommendation for peer support is required from a licensed practitioner of the healing arts (e.g., MD, DO, CRNP, PsyD, PA, LPC, LCSW, LMFT).

Have questions or want to make a referral?

Call or email RHD Allies at 412-652-9957 or [email protected] to request a referral packet or learn more about the program.