PEER SPECIALIST TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION
Peer Specialist Training and Certification programs are designed to empower individuals with lived experience of mental health conditions to support others facing similar challenges. These programs typically include comprehensive coursework that covers topics such as active listening, recovery strategies, crisis intervention, and ethical guidelines. Training emphasizes empathy, respect for individual experiences, and promoting self-determination in mental health recovery.
To become certified, candidates usually complete a set of training hours, followed by an examination to assess their understanding and skills. This certification process ensures that peer specialists are equipped with the knowledge and competencies necessary to provide effective peer support. Importantly, the program fosters a deep understanding of recovery and resilience, encouraging peer specialists to use their personal recovery stories as a tool for inspiring and assisting others. Certification also often requires ongoing education to maintain and update skills and knowledge in the field.
Modules
peer support
Support Supervision
250 Field hours/25 Supervised Hours
1. Review the online orientation materials and complete the self- assessment. You must acknowledge at the end that you have reviewed the materials. This will enable you to apply for training on the Core Principles of Peer Support (“Core” training). The materials will be available on the Peer 2 Peer Calendar Events page for each session of the Core Training.
2. Apply and take the Core training. Complete the application and submit along with payment by credit card. Application for the Core training is not a competitive process; all eligible applicants are accepted. The Core training is a 3 day, facilitated and interactive webinar. You must register at least one week prior to the next scheduled training. Once your application and payment are received you will be sent an email with instructions for logging onto the training. At the end of the Core training is a short knowledge assessment. Once you complete and pass the knowledge assessment you will be able to apply for supplemental training.
3. Apply for the supplemental training in either mental health or substance use peer support specialist. The training to become a MHPS (Mental Health Peer Specialist) is a competitive process. If you are accepted, you will be sent an invoice for payment by credit card and information about the training. The supplemental training is a five day, 46 hour, classroom style training held in various cities around the state. Refer to our training calendar for details here. At the end of the supplemental training, you will get an email with a link to take an online knowledge assessment. Once you complete and pass the knowledge assessment you will receive instructions for downloading and printing a confirmation that you have successfully completed all the steps in the training process. You will need this document to apply for certification.
4. Apply for certification with (TCB) Texas Certification Board: Here Refer to their websites for information on how to apply, what documentation is needed, and the cost. Peer 2 Peer is not involved in this Certification process and cannot provide any additional information. The initial certification is valid for six months. During this time, you must complete the required hours of supervised work experience. You may then apply for re-certification for a full two year certification period.
