“We Got Us”: A Case Study of Peer-Led Mental Health Practitioners Redefining the Future of School-Based Mental Health

Abstract

As Black and Brown youth continue to face rising mental health challenges, systemic racism, and limited access to culturally competent care, innovative solutions are urgently needed. We Got Us is a peer-to-peer mental health practitioner program developed in response to these intersecting crises—centered on youth voice, credible messengers, and trauma-informed practice. This case study examines the origin, structure, and impact of the We Got Us program, co-founded by Dr. Jamila T. Davis and Dr. Juan Rios in partnership with the East Orange School District during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Through a culturally responsive and healing-centered lens, this initiative trained high school students to serve as mental health ambassadors for their peers—equipping them with skills in emotional regulation, active listening, and mental wellness advocacy. Drawing from participant reflections, implementation data, and stakeholder insights, this article explores the efficacy of peer-led support models in urban school settings. The findings suggest that We Got Us not only increases students' self-efficacy and social-emotional awareness but also redefines who can be seen as a mental health leader. The paper concludes by proposing this model as a scalable, community-rooted solution to reimagine school-based mental health.