CHESS Health Adds Peer Recovery Engagement Service to Connections App

New Service-Enabled Technology Supports Individuals in Recovery

CHESS Health, a provider of comprehensive addiction management technology, has announced the availability of its Peer Recovery Engagement Service, a new platform offering to complement the company’s evidence-based Connections smartphone app. The service was first deployed to a select number of providers, later expanded to the successful CHESS state-wide implementation in West Virginia, and most recently has been included in a large contract with a national health plan company.

The unique Peer Recovery Engagement Service enhances the experience and impact for individuals using the Connections app by incorporating a certified Peer Specialist to lead and moderate large peer discussion groups, motivate and assist individuals to complete the CHESS self-guided, digital therapy lessons, and to increase compliance with provider clinical protocols. This service complements the role of provider-employed peer recovery support specialists who serve as recovery coaches – many CHESS customers offer recovery coaching to those struggling with Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and use the CHESS eRecovery platform and Connections App as one medium for delivering this vital support.

“The human connection is critical to enhance the impact of the Connections App,” said Hans Morefield, chief executive officer of CHESS Health. “Our certified peer specialists use their experience and training to give individuals hope and inspiration as well as to unlock the power of a digital peer community to support one another in the recovery journey.”

The CHESS Peer Engagement Service is driving a significant uptick in engagement and feedback from those in recovery for SUD and has been universally positive. One individual recently shared, “I absolutely love this app – it’s a godsend especially with COVID-19. I need recovery support, and this is an open door. Human contact and support are a must have for those of us in recovery and this puts that in reach.”

“The CHESS Peer Recovery Engagement Service offered with the Connections App helps ensure that West Virginians living with SUD have access to others with similar life experiences — a critical component of recovery support that is especially important during the pandemic,” said Garrett Moran PhD, Associate Director of Services and Policy Innovation at West Virginia University’s Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute.