Near Peer FAQs
Find quick answers to the most common questions geared toward REACH 2.0 Program Near Peers.
Updated: October 2025
The REACH 2.0 program is a SAMHSA-funded, immersive training experience in evidenced-based addiction health care practices for medical students, residents and fellows, training in addiction medicine and addiction psychiatry, serving individuals with substance use disorder (SUD). Through collaboration, specialized training, and national networking, Scholars and Near Peers gain the skills and support needed to deliver responsive, equity-focused care.
REACH 2.0 provides training and mentorship to 20 Scholars and 20 Near Peers each year. Each group of participants is referred to as a cohort.
ACAAM is the American College of Academic Addiction Medicine, the sponsoring organization of REACH 2.0. Our mission is to promote academic excellence and inspire leadership in addiction medicine.
ACAAM is dedicated to training and supporting the next generation of academic addiction medicine leaders needed to meet the ubiquitous health challenges from substance use. Central to this mission is committed action to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion of the academic addiction medicine workforce.
SAMHSA’s Minority Fellowship Program (MFP) aims to improve behavioral health care outcomes for all by providing professional development and training opportunities for the behavioral health workforce. For more information, please visit the SAMHSA website.
The Near Peer is a physician who has previously participated in the REACH Program or has similar mentorship experience and is further along in their professional journey than the Scholars themselves.
In conjunction with a REACH 2.0 Mentor, the Near Peer will provide guidance, support, and mentorship to Scholars more nascent in their addiction career. Near Peers offer a relatable perspective, having more recently navigated similar challenges and experiences. This dynamic triad fosters collaboration, shared learning, and mutual encouragement creating an environment that is both accessible and inspiring for the Scholar.
Program Information
The Near Peer program is a comprehensive 12-month experience that begins with a mandatory 2-day mentor training in April. Near Peers are matched with a Scholar and are expected to meet at least four times virtually. They also participate in monthly educational webinars designed to advance their career goals. Stipends and travel support are provided for approved activities.
Scholars are paired with both a traditional mentor and a Near Peer mentor. Traditional Mentors bring years of experience in Addiction Medicine or Addiction Psychiatry, providing conventional guidance and sponsorship. Near Peers are alumni of REACH or have had similar experience with mentorship within the last five years and offer a relatable perspective, having recently navigated similar challenges. Together, this mentorship triad fosters collaboration, shared learning, and mutual encouragement.
Near Peers are connected with their peers within the cohort to foster mutual support and partnership. They also receive guidance from the program’s directors and participate in health and wellness sessions that provide meaningful opportunities for connection and
well-being. In addition, Near Peers take part in monthly educational webinars that serve as valuable resources for professional growth and strategies to improve patient care.
Training will be held in April 2026. If selected, cohort members must be able to travel to the training domestically. Travel stipends are provided. Please check back for the date and location.
We will accept 20 Scholars and 20 Near Peers for the 2026-2027 cohort.
The REACH 2.0 program has allocated up to a maximum of $17,000 per Near Peer to support their participation in the REACH 2.0 program, related training opportunities, and the other activities related to the program.
The funds are paid directly to the Near Peer.
Yes, the stipend is taxable. ACAAM recommends that you consult with a financial expert to understand how this could affect you.
Near Peers are expected to attend monthly activities, events, and meetings to complete the program. Details are as follows:
- Actively engage with matched Scholar at least 4 times through the year
- Participate in monthly virtual webinars (training, networking, and panel discussions)
- Attendance at the 2 day Near Peer Training is required (Travel stipends are provided)
- Create video and content describing experience (Optional)
- Complete and submit surveys and quarterly reports on time
Program Eligibility & Requirements
Current fellows or individuals who have completed their fellowship within the last five years are encouraged to apply. Near Peers are expected to be innovative and bring unique perspectives. Applicants should be interested in specializing in Addiction Medicine or Addiction Psychiatry or have experience treating individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs). Additionally, applicants must be alumni of the REACH Program or have had similar mentorship experience.
All applicants interested in the REACH 2.0 Near Peer Program must meet the following criteria:
- Hold a medical degree (MD or DO)
- Be practicing or in subspecialty training in Addiction Medicine, Addiction Psychiatry, or working primarily with populations affected by substance use disorders (SUD)
- Alumni of the REACH Program or similar experience with mentorship within the last 5 years
- Willing to commit to the following program expectations:
- Actively engage with matched Scholar at least 4 times through the year
- Participate in monthly virtual webinars (training, networking, and panel discussions)
- Complete and submit surveys and quarterly reports on time
- Attend the Near Peer Training. (Travel stipends are provided)
- Create video and content describing experience (Optional)
Application Information & Requirements
The following materials are required:
- Completed application
- CV
- Letter of Recommendation
A Letter of Recommendation is required upon submission of the application from a current or recent supervisor, peer collaborator, or interdisciplinary team member. The recommender should describe your skills and experiences that will support your success as a Near Peer Mentor. Letters must be on official letterhead. Please ensure that the letter is signed by the recommender and that you provide their email address with the application. Please note that the recommender may receive a confirmation email from the REACH 2.0 team to validate their recommendation.
For further information, please contact [email protected].
