Methods: This proposal builds on a pilot study, currently underway, to develop and evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of a peer support intervention for persons with EIA. The proposed effectiveness study will employ a RCT design with a wait list control group. Individuals with IA (diagnosis 2 or more years) will be trained as peer mentors using the revised pilot study training program. Peer mentors will be matched with a person newly diagnosed with IA to provide one-on-one support (face-to-face or telephone) over a 12-week period. Individuals with EIA will be recruited from rheumatology clinics at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and Mount Sinai Hospital. Individuals with EIA will be randomized to either "intervention" or "standard care" (wait list). All "standard care" participants with EIA will receive the peer mentoring program at the end of study period; their outcomes will be also be evaluated. Both "intervention" and "standard care" participants will complete clinical assessments and self-administered questionnaires before and after (immediate post-program and 3-month follow-up) study completion to evaluate use of treatment, self-efficacy, coping efficacy, social support, health-related quality of life, anxiety, self-management, and disease activity count.