As healthcare reform transforms systems of care, there is a compelling necessity for systems to value the contributions of persons with lived experience of psychiatric diagnosis. The concept of deep democracy, of non-violence in action, is consistent with persons who have lived experience leading healthcare reform and helping transform coercion and oppression into health and well-being. Consistent with deep democracy and the creation of a “culture of wellness” for persons with mental challenges, a Portland, Oregon community behavioral healthcare program utilizes Peer Wellness Specialists and initiates a new model of integrated care that values whole health. The Cascadia Peer Wellness Program utilizes the unique and powerful resource of persons with lived experience of psychiatric diagnosis by training and employing Peer Wellness Specialists to partner with clinicians and other healthcare team members in order to help those they serve find their way to recovery.