Peer to Peer, also often referred to as "consumer to consumer" or "consumer as provider" is a person - a consumer living with
depression, bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, anxiety/panic disorder, schizophrenia, dissociative identity
disorder, multiple personality disorder, and/or a personality disorder such as borderline personality disorder - sharing one's
own personal/professional self with another consumer in order to achieve recovery, success and freedom - however that is
defined by ourselves.
The Texas Mental Health Consumers, USPRA Texas, and DBSA Texas sponsor frequent Certified Peer Specialist, Certified Peer
Specialist Facilitation, Wellness Recovery Action Plan trainings for interested consumers to attend and participate in Certified
Peer Specialist trainings to work with other Texans, their friends, families and treatment teams in formal or informal sites.
Locally in Texas trained CPS consumers work to spread and develop rehabilitation and recovery throughout. Currently Rod
Pfiester, Program Manager, Peer to Peer Services at Austin State Hospital is developing consumer based services at the Texas
Department of State Health Services Adult Psychiatric Services acute and forensic units based at the historic original and first
psychiatric facility in Texas built in 1857. Shannon Carr, Director, Self Help Advocacy Center, provides peers to ASH.
depression, bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, anxiety/panic disorder, schizophrenia, dissociative identity
disorder, multiple personality disorder, and/or a personality disorder such as borderline personality disorder - sharing one's
own personal/professional self with another consumer in order to achieve recovery, success and freedom - however that is
defined by ourselves.
The Texas Mental Health Consumers, USPRA Texas, and DBSA Texas sponsor frequent Certified Peer Specialist, Certified Peer
Specialist Facilitation, Wellness Recovery Action Plan trainings for interested consumers to attend and participate in Certified
Peer Specialist trainings to work with other Texans, their friends, families and treatment teams in formal or informal sites.
Locally in Texas trained CPS consumers work to spread and develop rehabilitation and recovery throughout. Currently Rod
Pfiester, Program Manager, Peer to Peer Services at Austin State Hospital is developing consumer based services at the Texas
Department of State Health Services Adult Psychiatric Services acute and forensic units based at the historic original and first
psychiatric facility in Texas built in 1857. Shannon Carr, Director, Self Help Advocacy Center, provides peers to ASH.
Austin State Asylum, 1857
Austin State Hospital, 2008
Shannon Carr, Director, Self Help Advocacy Center (the SHAC) has providing peer to peer services inside the Austin State
Hospital and Austin Travis County Mental Health Mental Retardation behavioral health services host peer to peer and
consumer support groups throughout the week.
Hospital and Austin Travis County Mental Health Mental Retardation behavioral health services host peer to peer and
consumer support groups throughout the week.
2006 Peer-to-Peer Resource Center. All rights reserved.
Peer-to-Peer Resource Center
730 N. Franklin Street, Suite 501, Chicago, Illinois 60610-7224 USA
(800) 826-3632 :: (312) 642-0049 :: fax (312) 642-7243
DBSA believes that the support of peers is essential to wellness and recovery for people with mental illness. The Peer-
to-Peer Resource Center is working to bring peer support the recognition it deserves, and to ensure that peers are an
integral part of recovery-oriented mental health service delivery systems nationwide.
Following is a list of programs and initiatives that train mental health consumers to offer specialized assistance to
their peers in their recovery and provide peer support. These initiatives include training programs for peer specialists,
coaches or mentors, and other training by and for peers.
[Please note: all information is self-reported by representatives of these programs. The Peer-to-Peer Resource Center
does not vouch for the quality of listed programs, nor do we recommend or endorse these programs. The Center
reserves the right to add or delete program listings.]
Want to let us know about a peer training program?
Training programs for peer specialists/coaches/mentors
CAP (Consumers as Providers)
Program description Consumers are trained to provide support and education to other consumers in the community,
taking the experience of one consumer and sharing it with someone else in need.
Training outcomes Participants receive a certificate of completion and are tested on knowledge acquired.
Who can participate? Mental health consumers
How people apply and are selected to participate Complete an interview process
Length of training 16 weeks Training location Topeka, KS
Fee? Yes
Sponsoring organization Valeo
Address 2401 S.W. 16th St., Topeka, KS 66606
Contact person Dennis Tenpenny
Phone (785) 357-0580
CASCAP
Program description Individuals with psychiatric disabilities are trained to enter and pursue careers in the fields of
mental health and human services
Training outcomes Participants are awarded a Certificate of Mental Health and Human Services and receive 24
college credits from Bunker Hill Community College
Who can participate? Mental health consumers over 18 years of age; U.S. citizens or documented to work in the U.S.;
high school diploma or GED; must be DMH-eligible with priority given to individuals from the metro Boston area
How people apply and are selected to participate Contact CASCAP
Length of training 6 months Training location Cambridge, MA
Fee? Contact CASCAP
Sponsoring organizations CASCAP, Inc. and Bunker Hill Community College
Contact person Lori Rose
E-mail: lrose@CASCAP.org
Community Connections Peer Specialist Training
Program description Participants are trained to work as Peer Specialists to help fellow consumers set goals, solve
problems, make decisions, and deal with conflicts; and to help people access community resources. The program also
offers specialized training for Young Adult Peer Specialists (YAPS).
Who can participate? Mental health consumers
How people apply and are selected to participate Contact Community Connections
Length of training Twice a week for four months Training location Aurora, CO
Fee? Unknown
Sponsoring organization Community Connections and Behavioral Healthcare, Inc.
Address 1564 Elmira Street, Aurora, CO 80010
Contact person Nate Rockitter
Phone (303) 739-2557
Consumer Connections
Program description The program is designed to recruit, train, and support mental health consumers to provide
services to other consumers in a variety of settings, including volunteer, part-time and full-time positions within the
mental health substance abuse, and human service systems.
Training outcomes Participants receive a certificate of completion. Upon completion of all coursework, graduates
also eligible for the Certified Case Manager credential from the Addiction Professionals Certification Board of New
Jersey (APCBNJ).
Who can participate? Mental health consumers
How people apply and are selected to participate Complete application
Length of training 66 hours (11 days) Training location New Jersey (3 sites)
Fee? No
Sponsoring organization Mental Health Association of New Jersey
Address 88 Pompton Ave., Verona, NJ 07044
Contact person Gina McGovern
Phone (973) 571-4100 E-mail gmcgovern@mhanj.org
Link to web site http://www.mhanj.org
Consumer to Provider Training Program
Program description People with psychiatric disabilities are trained to work in the human services field, particularly
mental health
Training outcomes Training participants receive 29 college credits and are hired in a half-time position or receive job
search assistance
Who can participate? Mental health consumers 18 years of age or older; must have high school diploma or GED; must
be residents of Washington and U.S. citizens or documented to work in the U.S.; must be in a PIC or DVR plan or may
continue current PELL grants
How people apply and are selected to participate Contact program
Length of training 10 weeks classroom instruction (4 days/week) and 15 weeks field placement
Training location Fircrest, WA
Fee? Contact program
Sponsoring organization Washington State DSHW/Mental Health Division and Tacoma Community College
Contact phone (866) 564-6400
CONTAC Recovery Education Center
Program description Consumers are trained to work as Peer Specialists in a variety of settings
Who can participate? Mental health consumers
How people apply and are selected to participate Contact the Center
Training location West Virginia
Sponsoring organization Consumer Organization and Networking Technical Assistance Center (CONTAC)
Address 910 Quarrier Street, #414, Charleston, WV 25301
Contact person Kathy Muscari
Phone (888) 825-8324 or (304) 345-7312
Link to web site http://www.contac.org
Georgia Certified Peer Specialist Training
Program description Participants are trained to assist fellow consumers in skills building, goal setting, problem
solving, conducting Recovery Dialogues, and helping consumers build their own self-directed recovery tools.
Training outcomes Participants receive a certificate of completion, take an oral and written examination on
knowledge acquired, and are certified based on results of the examination.
Who can participate? Mental health consumers diagnosed primarily with a mental illness (addictive disease may be
secondary diagnosis).
How people apply and are selected to participate Complete application and pre-test. Participants are selected based
on their employment status and ability to meet training guidelines. Consumers currently employed by a public or
private provider of Medicaid-billable services receive highest priority.
Length of training 8 days Training location Georgia (various locations)
Fee? Yes, $75.00
Sponsoring organizations Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network and the Office of Consumer Relations in the
Georgia Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Addictive Diseases.
Address 246 Sycamore St. , Decatur , GA 30030
Contact person Bob Patterson
Email bopatterson@dhr.ga.gov
Link to web site http://www.gacps.org
Hawaii Peer Specialist Training and Certification
Program description Participants are trained in the recovery model to work on various provider teams (ACT, ICM) to
help other consumers as full members of the treatment team.
Training outcomes Participants receive a certificate of completion, take an examination, and are certified based on
results of the examination.
Who can participate? Mental health consumers from Oahu and neighbor islands
How people apply and are selected to participate Complete application. Consumers currently employed as peer
specialists receive highest priority. Participants in refresher course must have missed no more than one day of initial
training.
Length of training 8 days + 2-day refresher
Training location Hawaii (various locations)
Fee? No
Sponsoring organization Hawaii Adult Mental Health Division, Office of Consumer Affairs
Address 1250 Punchbowl St., #256 , Honolulu , HI 96813
Contact person Kaanoi Gillette
Phone (808) 586-4688 E-mail krkaapan@amhd.health.state.hi.us
Howie the Harp Center Peer Specialist Training
Program description Consumers receive career training and complete a 3-6 month supervised internship leading to
full- and part-time employment in the field of human services
Training outcomes Program reports that 80% of graduates have obtained part-time employment with an average
salary of $23,000
Who can participate? Mental health consumers
How people apply and are selected to participate Contact the Center
Length of training 100 hours (6 mo.) Training location New York, NY
Fee? unknown
Sponsoring organization Howie the Harp Advocacy Center
Address 2090 Adam Clayton Powell Blvd., 12th Flr., New York, NY 10027
Contact person Steve Boccia
Phone (212) 865-0775, x109
Link to web site http://www.howietheharp.org
META Services Peer Employment Training
Program description Participants are trained for employment as Peer Support Specialists providing recovery education,
peer support, and vocational services in community mental health programs, including a wide range of services offered
through META Services' Recovery Education Center. The center also collaborates with a local community college to offer
an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Behavioral Health-Recovery.
Training outcomes Certificate; A.A.S. degree for college program
Who can participate? People with psychiatric experiences
How people apply and are selected to participate Any interested user of mental health services may attend
Length of training 70 hours/5 weeks (Peer Support Specialist training); 4 credit hours (A.A.S. degree program)
Training location Phoenix, AZ
Fee? $1,666.00 (contract with Vocational Rehabilitation for qualifying AZ residents)
Sponsoring organization META Services, Inc.
Address 2701 N. 16th St., Phoenix, AZ 85006
Contact person Jim Dunn
Phone (602) 650-1212 E-mail jim.dunn@metaservices.com
Link to web site http://www.metaservices.com
META Services Recovery Education Center
Program description Individuals can participate in a wide range of recovery-oriented courses, including WRAP
(Wellness Recovery Action Plan), WELL (Wellness and Empowerment in Life and Living), Employment as a Means to
Recovery, Eliminating Self-Defeating Behavior, Housing for Success, and other courses. Most classes are accredited and
apply toward an A.A.S. degree in Behavioral Health-Recovery (see above listing).
Training outcomes Certificate; A.A.S. degree if all class requirements met
Who can participate? People with psychiatric experiences, behavioral health professionals, family members, and
other interested individuals
How people apply and are selected to participate Enrollment in ValueOptions of Maricopa County; private students
are welcome
Length of training Varies; most classes are set up on a quarter system
Training location Phoenix, AZ
Fee? Contact Recovery Education Center
Sponsoring organization META Services, Inc.
Address 2701 N. 16th St., Phoenix, AZ 85006
Contact person Chris Martin
Phone (602) 636-4601 E-mail chris.martin@metaservices.com
Link to web site http://www.metaservices.com
MHA of Southeastern PA Certified Peer Specialist Program
Program description Individuals participate in training designed to develop and nurture each person's personal
recovery experience. Training focuses on recovery as the core value and includes education, skill-building, and an
experiential process.
Who can participate? Current or former mental health consumers; must have high school diploma or GED,
reading/writing proficiency, and relevant volunteer or paid work experience, preferably in the mental health field
How people apply and are selected to participate Contact MHA
Length of training 12 days (4 weeks, 3 days/week)
Training location Pennsylvania
Fee? No
Sponsoring organization MHA of Southeastern Pennsylvania
Address 1211 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19107
Contact person Sarah Bourne E-mail sbourne@mhasp.org
Phone (215) 751-1800
Peer Advocacy Program
Program description Participants are trained in the areas of recovery education and advocacy, and to assist other
consumers in accessing services and participating in community activities.
Training outcomes Participants are tested on knowledge acquired.
Who can participate? Mental health consumers
How people apply and are selected to participate Contact MHA for information
Length of training One week Training location Kansas City, KS
Fee? No
Sponsoring organization Mental Health Association of the Heartland
Address 739 Minnesota Ave., Kansas City, KS 66101
Contact person James Glenn
Phone (866) 927-6327 or (913) 281-2221 E-mail jglenn@mhah.org
Link to web site http://www.mhah.org
South Carolina Department of Mental Health Peer Certification Training
Program description Participants are trained and certified to provide Medicaid-billable peer support services to
eligible clients of the 17 Community Mental Health Centers in South Carolina’s public mental health system.
Training outcomes Participants receive a certificate of completion, take an oral and written examination on
knowledge acquired, and are certified based on results of the examination.
Who can participate? Mental health consumers who are hired by local mental health centers and hospitals
How people apply and are selected to participate Selected after meeting position requirements and being hired
Length of training 40 hours (5 days) Training location Columbia, SC
Fee? No
Sponsoring organization South Carolina Department of Mental Health, Office of Consumer Affairs
Address 2414 Bull Street, P.O. Box 485 , Columbia , SC 29202
Contact person Victoria Cousins
Phone (803) 898-8621 E-mail vcc13@dmh.state.sc.us
Link to web site http://www.state.sc.us/dmh/consumer_resources/consumer_resources.htm
Strong Peer Connections
Program description Participants gain information about the peer movement and recovery and are trained to lead
groups and provide one-to-one support for clients at Strong Ties (the sponsoring agency) and in the community.
Training outcomes Participants are hired as part-time Peer Specialists.
Who can participate? Clients of Strong Ties
How people apply and are selected to participate Individuals are referred by their therapist and participate in an
interview
Length of training Ongoing
Training location Rochester, NY
Fee? No
Sponsoring organization Strong Ties
Address 1650 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, NY 14620
Contact person Hope Quallo
Phone (505) 275-0300, x2256 E-mail hope_quallo@urmc.rochester.edu
University of New Mexico – University Psychiatric Center Peer Bridger Program
Program description Participants are trained as volunteers to assist other consumers in bridging to community
services and support groups, and to perform one-on-one bridging and advocacy at the University Psychiatric Center at
the University of New Mexico.
Training outcomes Participants receive certification and academic credit/CEUs/CMEs
Who can participate? Anyone with a mental health challenge
How people apply and are selected to participate Complete application and participate in interview with Coordinator
and a qualified bridger.
Length of training 12 hrs. (6 days)
Training location UNM-UPC and PSR South Valley
Fee? No
Sponsoring organization University of New Mexico – University Psychiatric Center
Address 2600 Marble, S.E., Albuquerque, NM 87131
Contact person Jane E. Thompson
Phone (505) 272-5935 E-mail jathompson@salud.unm.edu
Virginia Human Services Training Center
Program description Consumers are trained to work in the field of mental health
Training outcomes Participants are placed in permanent employment and receive a Career Studies Certificate in
Human Services from Piedmont Virginia Community College
Who can participate? Adults living with serious mental illnesses who are eligible for services from the Virginia
Department of Rehabilitative Services; high school diploma or GED; read, write, and do math at 8th grade level or
above
How people apply and are selected to participate Complete written screening tests and a personal interview
Length of training 16 weeks of classroom training, plus 12 weeks paid internship
Training location Charlottesville, VA
Fee? Contact program
Sponsoring organizations Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services; Virginia Department of Mental Health,
Mental Retardation, and Substance Abuse Services; and Piedmont Virginia Community College
Address Virginia Human Services Training Center, Region Ten Community Services Board, 800 Preston Ave.,
Charlottesville, VA 22903-4420
Contact person Cynthia Harrison
E-mail cynthiah@regionten.org
Other training by and for peers
C.E.L.T. Leadership Academy
Program description Participants are empowered to help other consumers establish funded programs; to advocate for
other consumers and work for change in the Virginia mental health system; and to encourage other consumers to
register and vote.
Training outcomes Participants receive a certificate of achievement.
Who can participate? Mental health consumers
How people apply and are selected to participate Application/selection based on previous efforts on behalf of
consumers, ideas about ways to help others; consumer must have some time in recovery
Length of training 4 days Training location Virginia (various locations)
Fee? No
Sponsoring organization C.E.L.T. Leadership Academy/MHA of Virginia
Address 530 E. Main St., Suite 707, Richmond, VA 23219
Contact person Deborah Pugh, Director
Phone (804) 225-5591 E-mail dpcelt@cs.com
Link to web site http://www.mhav.org/celt/
Peer Advocacy Training
Program description Participants are trained to advocate for and with others in the community on all aspects of
mental health issues and general life issues
Training outcomes Participants receive certificate of completion
Who can participate? Mental health consumers
How people apply and are selected to participate Complete application form
Length of training unknown Training location unknown
Fee? Yes, $150.00 (sliding scale and scholarships available)
Sponsoring organization PEOPLE, Inc.
Address 378 Violet Ave. , Poughkeepsie , NY 12601
Contact person Larry Cohen
Phone (845) 452-2728 E-mail PEOPLeLarry@optonline.net or PEOPLeHQPK@aol.com
The Peer-to-Peer Resource Center is sponsored by
© 2006 Peer-to-Peer Resource Center. All rights reserved.
Peer-to-Peer Resource Center
730 N. Franklin Street, Suite 501, Chicago, Illinois 60610-7224 USA
(800) 826-3632 :: (312) 642-0049 :: fax (312) 642-7243
As follows is the 2001 http://www.gacps.org Georgia Medicaid Guidelines in re implementing billable CPS services guidelines:
Peer Supports for Adults
Y3022
Adult Peer Supports –This service provides structured, scheduled activities that promote socialization, recovery, self-advocacy,
development of natural supports, and maintenance of community living skills, under the direct supervision of a mental health
professional. A Consumer Peer Support Center maintains adequate staff support to enable a safe, structured environment in which
consumers can meet and provide mutual support.
Services are geared toward consumers with severe and persistent mental illness. These consumers may have concomitant
substance abuse disorders or concomitant mental retardation.
Typically, will operate during day/evening/weekend hours near public transportation or access to transportation services. A Peer
Supports service must be operated for no less than twelve (12) hours a week, no less than four (4) hours per day, no less than three
(3) days per week.
Consumers actively participate in decision-making and the operation of the programmatic supports. There will be scheduled
activities that may include: meals and snacks, art and other recreational/leisure activities, educational seminars, informal and
formal peer support meetings, and planning/feedback committees. The service promotes socialization, recovery, self-sufficiency,
self-advocacy, the development of natural supports and maintaining those skills learned in other support services.
The purpose of a Peer Supports service is to provide an opportunity for consumers to direct their own recovery and advocacy process
and to teach and support each other in the acquisition and exercise of skills needed for management of symptoms and for utilization
of natural resources within the community.
Level of Benefit Low Intensity (under review)
Target Population Adult with serious and persistent mental illness
Initial Authorization 900 units (unit = 1 hour)
Re-Authorization 900 units (unit = 1 hour)
Admission Criteria 1. Consumer must have primary behavioral health issues AND
2. Level of functioning does not preclude services in an unstructured environment without professional presence.
3. Requires and would benefit from support of peers for the acquisition of skills needed for management of symptoms and for
utilization of natural resources within the community AND
4. Needs assistance to develop self-advocacy skills in order to achieve decreased dependency on the mental health system OR
5. Needs assistance and support to prepare for a successful work experience OR
6. Needs peer modeling in order to take increased responsibilities for his/her own recovery OR
7. Needs peer supports in order to maintain daily living skills.
Continuing Stay Criteria 1. Continues to meet admission criteria AND
2. Progress notes document consumer progress relative to goals identified in the Service Plan, but treatment goals have not yet
been achieved
3. Consumer chooses not to participate with other alternative treatment/support option. AND
4. Internal concurrent review should occur every six (6) months
Discharge Criteria 1. Goals of consumer’s individualized service plan have been substantially met.
2. There is demonstrable functional stability and treatment compliance with minimal support for at least 3 months.
3. Consumer/family requests discharge
4. Transfer to another service/level
Service Exclusions Not offered in conjunction with Intensive Day Treatment
May be offered with Community Support and Psychosocial Rehabilitation (which do require ongoing utilization review)
Clinical Exclusions 1. Consumers who require one-to-one supervision for protection of self and others.
2. Presence of any psychiatric condition or behavior requiring a more intensive Level of Care
3. Legal status precluding this Level of Care
Additional Service Criteria:
A. Required Components
1. A Peer Supports service may operate as:
• a program within a freestanding Peer Support Center;
• a program within an existing clinical service provider without a Peer Support Center;
• a program within a Peer Support Center that is within a clinical service provider; or
• a program within a larger clinical or community human service provider administratively, (either with or without a Peer
Support Center, but with complete programmatic autonomy.
2. A Peer Supports service must be operated for no less than twelve (12) hours a week, no less than four (4) hours per day, no
less than three (3) days per week, typically during day, evening and weekend hours.
3. The governing board of a freestanding Peer Center must be composed of 75% consumers and represent the cultural diversity
of the population of the community being served. The board is encouraged to have either board members or operating relationships
with persons with legal and accounting expertise. For programs that are part of a larger organizational structure that is not
consumer led and operated, the Peer Supports Program must have an advisory body with the same composition as for a
freestanding Peer Center’s board. The board or advisory committee must have the ability to develop programmatic descriptions and
guidelines (consistent with state and federal regulations, accreditation requirements, and sponsoring agency operating policies),
review and comment on the Peer Support Program’s budgets, review activity offerings, and participate in dispute resolution
activities for the program.
4. Consumers participating in the service at any given time must be given the opportunity to participate in and make decisions
about the activities that are conducted or services offered within the Peer Supports program, and about the schedule of those
activities and services, as well as other operational issues.
5. Regardless of organizational structure, the service must be directed, and led by consumers themselves.
6. Peer Supports may include meals or other social activities for purpose of building peer relationships, but meals should not be
the central or core activity offered. The focus of the service is skill maintenance and enhancement, and building individual
consumers’ capacity to advocate for themselves and other consumers.
7. Peer Supports should not be operated in isolation from the rest of the programs within the facility or organization with which
it is affiliated. The Program Leader must be able to call multi-disciplinary team meetings regarding a participating consumer’s
needs and desires, and a Peer Specialist providing services for and with a participating consumer must be allowed to participate in
multi-disciplinary team meetings.
B. Staffing Requirements
1. The program must be under the clinical supervision of a MHP, preferably a consumer who is a Georgia certified Peer
Specialist, and preferably who is credentialed by IAPSRS as an Associate Psychosocial Rehabilitation Professional (APRP) or
Registered Psychiatric Rehabilitation Professional (RPRP), or who can demonstrate activity toward attainment of certification as a
Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Professional (CPRP). All staff are encouraged to seek and obtain Georgia certification as a Peer
Specialist and IAPSRS APRP, RPRP or CPRP credentials.
2. The individual leading and managing the day-to-day operations of the program (leader) must be a Georgia certified Peer
Specialist, who is an APRP, RPRP, CPRP or can demonstrate activity toward attainment of APRP, RPRP, or CPRP registration or
certification.
3. The Program Leader must be employed by the sponsoring agency at least 0.5 FTE.
4. The Program Leader and Georgia certified Peer Specialists in the Peer Supports program may be shared with other programs
so long as the Program Leader is able to be present no less than 75% of the hours the Peer Supports program is in operation, and so
long as the Program Leader and the Georgia certified Peer Specialists are available as required for supervision and clinical
operations, and so long as they are not counted in consumer to staff ratios for two different programs operating at the same time.
5. Services must be provided and/or activities led by staff who are Georgia certified Peer Specialists or other consumers, under
the supervision of a Georgia certified Peer Specialist. A specific activity may be taught by persons who are not consumers but are
invited guests.
6. There must be at least two Georgia certified Peer Specialists on staff either in the Peer Supports Program or in a combination
of Peer Supports and other programs and services operating within the agency.
7. There must be a maximum face-to-face ratio of an average of not more than thirty (30) consumers to one (1) certified Peer
Specialist, based on average daily attendance of consumers in the program.
8. There must be a maximum face-to-face ratio of an average of not more than fifteen (15) consumers to one (1) direct
service/program staff, based on the average daily attendance of consumers in the program.
9. All staff must have an understanding of recovery and psychosocial rehabilitation principles as defined by the Georgia
Consumer Council and psychosocial rehabilitation principles published by IAPSRS and must possess the skills and ability to assist
other consumers in their own recovery processes.
C. Clinical Operations
1. This service must operate at an established site approved to bill Medicaid for services. However, individual or group
activities may take place off-site in natural community settings as is appropriate to the participating consumers’ Individual Services
Plans (ISPs) developed by each individual for him/herself, with assistance from the Program staff.
2. This service may operate in the same building as other day services; however, there must be a distinct separation between
these services in staffing, program description, and physical space during the hours the Peer Supports program is in operation,
except as provided above.
3. Adequate space, equipment, furnishings, supplies, and other resources must be provided in order that services can be
provided effectively and so that the program environment is clean and in good repair. Space, equipment, furnishings, supplies,
transportation, and other resources for consumer use within the Peer Supports program must not be substantially different from
space provided for other uses for similar numbers of individuals.
4. Staff of the Peer Supports Program must be treated as equal to any other staff of the facility or organization and must be
provided equivalent opportunities for training (both mandated and offered) and pay and benefits that are competitive and
comparable to other staff based on experience and skill level.
5. Weekly progress notes must document consumer progress relative to functioning and skills related to goals identified in
his/her ISP.
6. Daily attendance of each consumer participating in the program must be documented for billing purposes.
7. When this service is used in conjunction with Psychosocial Rehabilitation, and ACT, documentation must demonstrate careful
planning to maximize the effectiveness of this service as well as appropriate reduction in service amounts. Utilization of this
service in conjunction with these services will be subject to UM/UR review.
8. Each consumer should set his or her own individualized goals and assess his or her own skills and resources related to goal
attainment. Goals are set by exploring strengths and needs in the consumer’s living, learning, social, and working environments.
Implementation of services may take place individually or in groups.
9. Each consumer must be provided opportunity for peer assistance in the development and acquisition of needed skills and
resources necessary to achieve stated goals.
10. A Peer Supports program must offer a range of skill-building and recovery activities developed and led by consumers. These
activities must include those that will most effectively support achievement of the individual consumer’s rehabilitation and recovery
goals.
11. The program must have a Peer Supports Organizational Plan addressing the following:
• A service philosophy reflecting recovery principles as articulated by the Georgia Consumer Council, August 1, 2001. This
philosophy must be actively incorporated into all services and activities, e.g.:
View each individual as the director of his/her rehabilitation and recovery process;
Promote the value of self-help, peer support and personal empowerment to foster recovery;
Promote information about mental illness and coping skills.
Promote peer-to-peer training of individual skills, social skills, community/natural resources, and group and individual
advocacy;
Promote supported employment and education that fosters self-determination and career advancement;
Support each consumer to “get a life” using natural occurring resources to replace the resources of the mental health system
no longer needed.
Support each consumer to fully integrate into accepting communities in the least intrusive environment that promotes
housing of his/her choice.
Actively seek ongoing consumer input into program and service content so as to meet each individual’s needs and goals and
foster the recovery process.
• A description of the particular consumer empowerment models utilized, types of activities offered, and typical daily
curriculum and schedule; if offered, meals should be described as an adjunctive peer relationship building activity rather than as a
central activity.
• A description of the staffing pattern, plans for staff who have or will achieve Peer Specialist and APRP credentials, and how
staff are deployed to ensure that the required staff-to-consumer ratios are maintained, including how unplanned staff absences,
illnesses, etc. are accommodated;
• A description of how consumer staff within the agency will be given opportunities to meet with or otherwise receive support
from other consumers (including Georgia certified Peer Specialists) both within and outside the agency;
• A description of how consumers will be encouraged and supported to seek Georgia certification as a Peer Specialist, e.g.,
participation in training opportunities; peer or other counseling regarding anxiety about test-taking, assistance with study skills,
information about training and testing opportunities, opportunities to hear from and interact with consumers who are already
certified, additional opportunities within the agency after certification, etc.
• A description of how the consumer staff will participate in clinical team meetings at the request of a consumer and the
procedure for the Program Leader requesting a team meeting;
• A description of the hours of operation, the staff assigned, and the types of services and activities provided for and by
consumers as well as for families, parents, and/or guardians;
• A description of the program’s decision-making processes including how consumers direct decision-making about both
individual and program-wide activities and about key policies and dispute resolution processes;
• A description of how consumers participating in the service at any given time will be given the opportunity to participate in
and make decisions about the activities that are conducted or services offered within the Peer Supports program, and about the
schedule of those activities and services, as well as other operational issues.
• A description of the space, furnishings, materials, supplies, transportation, and other resources available for consumers
participating in the Peer Supports services; A description of the governing body and/or advisory structures indicating how this
body/structure meets requirements for consumer leadership and cultural diversity;
• A description of how the plan for services and activities will be modified or adjusted to meet the needs specified in each
consumer’s ISP.
• A description of how consumer requests for discharge and change in services or service intensity are handled.
Peer-to-Peer Resource Center
730 N. Franklin Street, Suite 501, Chicago, Illinois 60610-7224 USA
(800) 826-3632 :: (312) 642-0049 :: fax (312) 642-7243
DBSA believes that the support of peers is essential to wellness and recovery for people with mental illness. The Peer-
to-Peer Resource Center is working to bring peer support the recognition it deserves, and to ensure that peers are an
integral part of recovery-oriented mental health service delivery systems nationwide.
Following is a list of programs and initiatives that train mental health consumers to offer specialized assistance to
their peers in their recovery and provide peer support. These initiatives include training programs for peer specialists,
coaches or mentors, and other training by and for peers.
[Please note: all information is self-reported by representatives of these programs. The Peer-to-Peer Resource Center
does not vouch for the quality of listed programs, nor do we recommend or endorse these programs. The Center
reserves the right to add or delete program listings.]
Want to let us know about a peer training program?
Training programs for peer specialists/coaches/mentors
CAP (Consumers as Providers)
Program description Consumers are trained to provide support and education to other consumers in the community,
taking the experience of one consumer and sharing it with someone else in need.
Training outcomes Participants receive a certificate of completion and are tested on knowledge acquired.
Who can participate? Mental health consumers
How people apply and are selected to participate Complete an interview process
Length of training 16 weeks Training location Topeka, KS
Fee? Yes
Sponsoring organization Valeo
Address 2401 S.W. 16th St., Topeka, KS 66606
Contact person Dennis Tenpenny
Phone (785) 357-0580
CASCAP
Program description Individuals with psychiatric disabilities are trained to enter and pursue careers in the fields of
mental health and human services
Training outcomes Participants are awarded a Certificate of Mental Health and Human Services and receive 24
college credits from Bunker Hill Community College
Who can participate? Mental health consumers over 18 years of age; U.S. citizens or documented to work in the U.S.;
high school diploma or GED; must be DMH-eligible with priority given to individuals from the metro Boston area
How people apply and are selected to participate Contact CASCAP
Length of training 6 months Training location Cambridge, MA
Fee? Contact CASCAP
Sponsoring organizations CASCAP, Inc. and Bunker Hill Community College
Contact person Lori Rose
E-mail: lrose@CASCAP.org
Community Connections Peer Specialist Training
Program description Participants are trained to work as Peer Specialists to help fellow consumers set goals, solve
problems, make decisions, and deal with conflicts; and to help people access community resources. The program also
offers specialized training for Young Adult Peer Specialists (YAPS).
Who can participate? Mental health consumers
How people apply and are selected to participate Contact Community Connections
Length of training Twice a week for four months Training location Aurora, CO
Fee? Unknown
Sponsoring organization Community Connections and Behavioral Healthcare, Inc.
Address 1564 Elmira Street, Aurora, CO 80010
Contact person Nate Rockitter
Phone (303) 739-2557
Consumer Connections
Program description The program is designed to recruit, train, and support mental health consumers to provide
services to other consumers in a variety of settings, including volunteer, part-time and full-time positions within the
mental health substance abuse, and human service systems.
Training outcomes Participants receive a certificate of completion. Upon completion of all coursework, graduates
also eligible for the Certified Case Manager credential from the Addiction Professionals Certification Board of New
Jersey (APCBNJ).
Who can participate? Mental health consumers
How people apply and are selected to participate Complete application
Length of training 66 hours (11 days) Training location New Jersey (3 sites)
Fee? No
Sponsoring organization Mental Health Association of New Jersey
Address 88 Pompton Ave., Verona, NJ 07044
Contact person Gina McGovern
Phone (973) 571-4100 E-mail gmcgovern@mhanj.org
Link to web site http://www.mhanj.org
Consumer to Provider Training Program
Program description People with psychiatric disabilities are trained to work in the human services field, particularly
mental health
Training outcomes Training participants receive 29 college credits and are hired in a half-time position or receive job
search assistance
Who can participate? Mental health consumers 18 years of age or older; must have high school diploma or GED; must
be residents of Washington and U.S. citizens or documented to work in the U.S.; must be in a PIC or DVR plan or may
continue current PELL grants
How people apply and are selected to participate Contact program
Length of training 10 weeks classroom instruction (4 days/week) and 15 weeks field placement
Training location Fircrest, WA
Fee? Contact program
Sponsoring organization Washington State DSHW/Mental Health Division and Tacoma Community College
Contact phone (866) 564-6400
CONTAC Recovery Education Center
Program description Consumers are trained to work as Peer Specialists in a variety of settings
Who can participate? Mental health consumers
How people apply and are selected to participate Contact the Center
Training location West Virginia
Sponsoring organization Consumer Organization and Networking Technical Assistance Center (CONTAC)
Address 910 Quarrier Street, #414, Charleston, WV 25301
Contact person Kathy Muscari
Phone (888) 825-8324 or (304) 345-7312
Link to web site http://www.contac.org
Georgia Certified Peer Specialist Training
Program description Participants are trained to assist fellow consumers in skills building, goal setting, problem
solving, conducting Recovery Dialogues, and helping consumers build their own self-directed recovery tools.
Training outcomes Participants receive a certificate of completion, take an oral and written examination on
knowledge acquired, and are certified based on results of the examination.
Who can participate? Mental health consumers diagnosed primarily with a mental illness (addictive disease may be
secondary diagnosis).
How people apply and are selected to participate Complete application and pre-test. Participants are selected based
on their employment status and ability to meet training guidelines. Consumers currently employed by a public or
private provider of Medicaid-billable services receive highest priority.
Length of training 8 days Training location Georgia (various locations)
Fee? Yes, $75.00
Sponsoring organizations Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network and the Office of Consumer Relations in the
Georgia Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Addictive Diseases.
Address 246 Sycamore St. , Decatur , GA 30030
Contact person Bob Patterson
Email bopatterson@dhr.ga.gov
Link to web site http://www.gacps.org
Hawaii Peer Specialist Training and Certification
Program description Participants are trained in the recovery model to work on various provider teams (ACT, ICM) to
help other consumers as full members of the treatment team.
Training outcomes Participants receive a certificate of completion, take an examination, and are certified based on
results of the examination.
Who can participate? Mental health consumers from Oahu and neighbor islands
How people apply and are selected to participate Complete application. Consumers currently employed as peer
specialists receive highest priority. Participants in refresher course must have missed no more than one day of initial
training.
Length of training 8 days + 2-day refresher
Training location Hawaii (various locations)
Fee? No
Sponsoring organization Hawaii Adult Mental Health Division, Office of Consumer Affairs
Address 1250 Punchbowl St., #256 , Honolulu , HI 96813
Contact person Kaanoi Gillette
Phone (808) 586-4688 E-mail krkaapan@amhd.health.state.hi.us
Howie the Harp Center Peer Specialist Training
Program description Consumers receive career training and complete a 3-6 month supervised internship leading to
full- and part-time employment in the field of human services
Training outcomes Program reports that 80% of graduates have obtained part-time employment with an average
salary of $23,000
Who can participate? Mental health consumers
How people apply and are selected to participate Contact the Center
Length of training 100 hours (6 mo.) Training location New York, NY
Fee? unknown
Sponsoring organization Howie the Harp Advocacy Center
Address 2090 Adam Clayton Powell Blvd., 12th Flr., New York, NY 10027
Contact person Steve Boccia
Phone (212) 865-0775, x109
Link to web site http://www.howietheharp.org
META Services Peer Employment Training
Program description Participants are trained for employment as Peer Support Specialists providing recovery education,
peer support, and vocational services in community mental health programs, including a wide range of services offered
through META Services' Recovery Education Center. The center also collaborates with a local community college to offer
an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Behavioral Health-Recovery.
Training outcomes Certificate; A.A.S. degree for college program
Who can participate? People with psychiatric experiences
How people apply and are selected to participate Any interested user of mental health services may attend
Length of training 70 hours/5 weeks (Peer Support Specialist training); 4 credit hours (A.A.S. degree program)
Training location Phoenix, AZ
Fee? $1,666.00 (contract with Vocational Rehabilitation for qualifying AZ residents)
Sponsoring organization META Services, Inc.
Address 2701 N. 16th St., Phoenix, AZ 85006
Contact person Jim Dunn
Phone (602) 650-1212 E-mail jim.dunn@metaservices.com
Link to web site http://www.metaservices.com
META Services Recovery Education Center
Program description Individuals can participate in a wide range of recovery-oriented courses, including WRAP
(Wellness Recovery Action Plan), WELL (Wellness and Empowerment in Life and Living), Employment as a Means to
Recovery, Eliminating Self-Defeating Behavior, Housing for Success, and other courses. Most classes are accredited and
apply toward an A.A.S. degree in Behavioral Health-Recovery (see above listing).
Training outcomes Certificate; A.A.S. degree if all class requirements met
Who can participate? People with psychiatric experiences, behavioral health professionals, family members, and
other interested individuals
How people apply and are selected to participate Enrollment in ValueOptions of Maricopa County; private students
are welcome
Length of training Varies; most classes are set up on a quarter system
Training location Phoenix, AZ
Fee? Contact Recovery Education Center
Sponsoring organization META Services, Inc.
Address 2701 N. 16th St., Phoenix, AZ 85006
Contact person Chris Martin
Phone (602) 636-4601 E-mail chris.martin@metaservices.com
Link to web site http://www.metaservices.com
MHA of Southeastern PA Certified Peer Specialist Program
Program description Individuals participate in training designed to develop and nurture each person's personal
recovery experience. Training focuses on recovery as the core value and includes education, skill-building, and an
experiential process.
Who can participate? Current or former mental health consumers; must have high school diploma or GED,
reading/writing proficiency, and relevant volunteer or paid work experience, preferably in the mental health field
How people apply and are selected to participate Contact MHA
Length of training 12 days (4 weeks, 3 days/week)
Training location Pennsylvania
Fee? No
Sponsoring organization MHA of Southeastern Pennsylvania
Address 1211 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19107
Contact person Sarah Bourne E-mail sbourne@mhasp.org
Phone (215) 751-1800
Peer Advocacy Program
Program description Participants are trained in the areas of recovery education and advocacy, and to assist other
consumers in accessing services and participating in community activities.
Training outcomes Participants are tested on knowledge acquired.
Who can participate? Mental health consumers
How people apply and are selected to participate Contact MHA for information
Length of training One week Training location Kansas City, KS
Fee? No
Sponsoring organization Mental Health Association of the Heartland
Address 739 Minnesota Ave., Kansas City, KS 66101
Contact person James Glenn
Phone (866) 927-6327 or (913) 281-2221 E-mail jglenn@mhah.org
Link to web site http://www.mhah.org
South Carolina Department of Mental Health Peer Certification Training
Program description Participants are trained and certified to provide Medicaid-billable peer support services to
eligible clients of the 17 Community Mental Health Centers in South Carolina’s public mental health system.
Training outcomes Participants receive a certificate of completion, take an oral and written examination on
knowledge acquired, and are certified based on results of the examination.
Who can participate? Mental health consumers who are hired by local mental health centers and hospitals
How people apply and are selected to participate Selected after meeting position requirements and being hired
Length of training 40 hours (5 days) Training location Columbia, SC
Fee? No
Sponsoring organization South Carolina Department of Mental Health, Office of Consumer Affairs
Address 2414 Bull Street, P.O. Box 485 , Columbia , SC 29202
Contact person Victoria Cousins
Phone (803) 898-8621 E-mail vcc13@dmh.state.sc.us
Link to web site http://www.state.sc.us/dmh/consumer_resources/consumer_resources.htm
Strong Peer Connections
Program description Participants gain information about the peer movement and recovery and are trained to lead
groups and provide one-to-one support for clients at Strong Ties (the sponsoring agency) and in the community.
Training outcomes Participants are hired as part-time Peer Specialists.
Who can participate? Clients of Strong Ties
How people apply and are selected to participate Individuals are referred by their therapist and participate in an
interview
Length of training Ongoing
Training location Rochester, NY
Fee? No
Sponsoring organization Strong Ties
Address 1650 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, NY 14620
Contact person Hope Quallo
Phone (505) 275-0300, x2256 E-mail hope_quallo@urmc.rochester.edu
University of New Mexico – University Psychiatric Center Peer Bridger Program
Program description Participants are trained as volunteers to assist other consumers in bridging to community
services and support groups, and to perform one-on-one bridging and advocacy at the University Psychiatric Center at
the University of New Mexico.
Training outcomes Participants receive certification and academic credit/CEUs/CMEs
Who can participate? Anyone with a mental health challenge
How people apply and are selected to participate Complete application and participate in interview with Coordinator
and a qualified bridger.
Length of training 12 hrs. (6 days)
Training location UNM-UPC and PSR South Valley
Fee? No
Sponsoring organization University of New Mexico – University Psychiatric Center
Address 2600 Marble, S.E., Albuquerque, NM 87131
Contact person Jane E. Thompson
Phone (505) 272-5935 E-mail jathompson@salud.unm.edu
Virginia Human Services Training Center
Program description Consumers are trained to work in the field of mental health
Training outcomes Participants are placed in permanent employment and receive a Career Studies Certificate in
Human Services from Piedmont Virginia Community College
Who can participate? Adults living with serious mental illnesses who are eligible for services from the Virginia
Department of Rehabilitative Services; high school diploma or GED; read, write, and do math at 8th grade level or
above
How people apply and are selected to participate Complete written screening tests and a personal interview
Length of training 16 weeks of classroom training, plus 12 weeks paid internship
Training location Charlottesville, VA
Fee? Contact program
Sponsoring organizations Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services; Virginia Department of Mental Health,
Mental Retardation, and Substance Abuse Services; and Piedmont Virginia Community College
Address Virginia Human Services Training Center, Region Ten Community Services Board, 800 Preston Ave.,
Charlottesville, VA 22903-4420
Contact person Cynthia Harrison
E-mail cynthiah@regionten.org
Other training by and for peers
C.E.L.T. Leadership Academy
Program description Participants are empowered to help other consumers establish funded programs; to advocate for
other consumers and work for change in the Virginia mental health system; and to encourage other consumers to
register and vote.
Training outcomes Participants receive a certificate of achievement.
Who can participate? Mental health consumers
How people apply and are selected to participate Application/selection based on previous efforts on behalf of
consumers, ideas about ways to help others; consumer must have some time in recovery
Length of training 4 days Training location Virginia (various locations)
Fee? No
Sponsoring organization C.E.L.T. Leadership Academy/MHA of Virginia
Address 530 E. Main St., Suite 707, Richmond, VA 23219
Contact person Deborah Pugh, Director
Phone (804) 225-5591 E-mail dpcelt@cs.com
Link to web site http://www.mhav.org/celt/
Peer Advocacy Training
Program description Participants are trained to advocate for and with others in the community on all aspects of
mental health issues and general life issues
Training outcomes Participants receive certificate of completion
Who can participate? Mental health consumers
How people apply and are selected to participate Complete application form
Length of training unknown Training location unknown
Fee? Yes, $150.00 (sliding scale and scholarships available)
Sponsoring organization PEOPLE, Inc.
Address 378 Violet Ave. , Poughkeepsie , NY 12601
Contact person Larry Cohen
Phone (845) 452-2728 E-mail PEOPLeLarry@optonline.net or PEOPLeHQPK@aol.com
The Peer-to-Peer Resource Center is sponsored by
© 2006 Peer-to-Peer Resource Center. All rights reserved.
Peer-to-Peer Resource Center
730 N. Franklin Street, Suite 501, Chicago, Illinois 60610-7224 USA
(800) 826-3632 :: (312) 642-0049 :: fax (312) 642-7243
As follows is the 2001 http://www.gacps.org Georgia Medicaid Guidelines in re implementing billable CPS services guidelines:
Peer Supports for Adults
Y3022
Adult Peer Supports –This service provides structured, scheduled activities that promote socialization, recovery, self-advocacy,
development of natural supports, and maintenance of community living skills, under the direct supervision of a mental health
professional. A Consumer Peer Support Center maintains adequate staff support to enable a safe, structured environment in which
consumers can meet and provide mutual support.
Services are geared toward consumers with severe and persistent mental illness. These consumers may have concomitant
substance abuse disorders or concomitant mental retardation.
Typically, will operate during day/evening/weekend hours near public transportation or access to transportation services. A Peer
Supports service must be operated for no less than twelve (12) hours a week, no less than four (4) hours per day, no less than three
(3) days per week.
Consumers actively participate in decision-making and the operation of the programmatic supports. There will be scheduled
activities that may include: meals and snacks, art and other recreational/leisure activities, educational seminars, informal and
formal peer support meetings, and planning/feedback committees. The service promotes socialization, recovery, self-sufficiency,
self-advocacy, the development of natural supports and maintaining those skills learned in other support services.
The purpose of a Peer Supports service is to provide an opportunity for consumers to direct their own recovery and advocacy process
and to teach and support each other in the acquisition and exercise of skills needed for management of symptoms and for utilization
of natural resources within the community.
Level of Benefit Low Intensity (under review)
Target Population Adult with serious and persistent mental illness
Initial Authorization 900 units (unit = 1 hour)
Re-Authorization 900 units (unit = 1 hour)
Admission Criteria 1. Consumer must have primary behavioral health issues AND
2. Level of functioning does not preclude services in an unstructured environment without professional presence.
3. Requires and would benefit from support of peers for the acquisition of skills needed for management of symptoms and for
utilization of natural resources within the community AND
4. Needs assistance to develop self-advocacy skills in order to achieve decreased dependency on the mental health system OR
5. Needs assistance and support to prepare for a successful work experience OR
6. Needs peer modeling in order to take increased responsibilities for his/her own recovery OR
7. Needs peer supports in order to maintain daily living skills.
Continuing Stay Criteria 1. Continues to meet admission criteria AND
2. Progress notes document consumer progress relative to goals identified in the Service Plan, but treatment goals have not yet
been achieved
3. Consumer chooses not to participate with other alternative treatment/support option. AND
4. Internal concurrent review should occur every six (6) months
Discharge Criteria 1. Goals of consumer’s individualized service plan have been substantially met.
2. There is demonstrable functional stability and treatment compliance with minimal support for at least 3 months.
3. Consumer/family requests discharge
4. Transfer to another service/level
Service Exclusions Not offered in conjunction with Intensive Day Treatment
May be offered with Community Support and Psychosocial Rehabilitation (which do require ongoing utilization review)
Clinical Exclusions 1. Consumers who require one-to-one supervision for protection of self and others.
2. Presence of any psychiatric condition or behavior requiring a more intensive Level of Care
3. Legal status precluding this Level of Care
Additional Service Criteria:
A. Required Components
1. A Peer Supports service may operate as:
• a program within a freestanding Peer Support Center;
• a program within an existing clinical service provider without a Peer Support Center;
• a program within a Peer Support Center that is within a clinical service provider; or
• a program within a larger clinical or community human service provider administratively, (either with or without a Peer
Support Center, but with complete programmatic autonomy.
2. A Peer Supports service must be operated for no less than twelve (12) hours a week, no less than four (4) hours per day, no
less than three (3) days per week, typically during day, evening and weekend hours.
3. The governing board of a freestanding Peer Center must be composed of 75% consumers and represent the cultural diversity
of the population of the community being served. The board is encouraged to have either board members or operating relationships
with persons with legal and accounting expertise. For programs that are part of a larger organizational structure that is not
consumer led and operated, the Peer Supports Program must have an advisory body with the same composition as for a
freestanding Peer Center’s board. The board or advisory committee must have the ability to develop programmatic descriptions and
guidelines (consistent with state and federal regulations, accreditation requirements, and sponsoring agency operating policies),
review and comment on the Peer Support Program’s budgets, review activity offerings, and participate in dispute resolution
activities for the program.
4. Consumers participating in the service at any given time must be given the opportunity to participate in and make decisions
about the activities that are conducted or services offered within the Peer Supports program, and about the schedule of those
activities and services, as well as other operational issues.
5. Regardless of organizational structure, the service must be directed, and led by consumers themselves.
6. Peer Supports may include meals or other social activities for purpose of building peer relationships, but meals should not be
the central or core activity offered. The focus of the service is skill maintenance and enhancement, and building individual
consumers’ capacity to advocate for themselves and other consumers.
7. Peer Supports should not be operated in isolation from the rest of the programs within the facility or organization with which
it is affiliated. The Program Leader must be able to call multi-disciplinary team meetings regarding a participating consumer’s
needs and desires, and a Peer Specialist providing services for and with a participating consumer must be allowed to participate in
multi-disciplinary team meetings.
B. Staffing Requirements
1. The program must be under the clinical supervision of a MHP, preferably a consumer who is a Georgia certified Peer
Specialist, and preferably who is credentialed by IAPSRS as an Associate Psychosocial Rehabilitation Professional (APRP) or
Registered Psychiatric Rehabilitation Professional (RPRP), or who can demonstrate activity toward attainment of certification as a
Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Professional (CPRP). All staff are encouraged to seek and obtain Georgia certification as a Peer
Specialist and IAPSRS APRP, RPRP or CPRP credentials.
2. The individual leading and managing the day-to-day operations of the program (leader) must be a Georgia certified Peer
Specialist, who is an APRP, RPRP, CPRP or can demonstrate activity toward attainment of APRP, RPRP, or CPRP registration or
certification.
3. The Program Leader must be employed by the sponsoring agency at least 0.5 FTE.
4. The Program Leader and Georgia certified Peer Specialists in the Peer Supports program may be shared with other programs
so long as the Program Leader is able to be present no less than 75% of the hours the Peer Supports program is in operation, and so
long as the Program Leader and the Georgia certified Peer Specialists are available as required for supervision and clinical
operations, and so long as they are not counted in consumer to staff ratios for two different programs operating at the same time.
5. Services must be provided and/or activities led by staff who are Georgia certified Peer Specialists or other consumers, under
the supervision of a Georgia certified Peer Specialist. A specific activity may be taught by persons who are not consumers but are
invited guests.
6. There must be at least two Georgia certified Peer Specialists on staff either in the Peer Supports Program or in a combination
of Peer Supports and other programs and services operating within the agency.
7. There must be a maximum face-to-face ratio of an average of not more than thirty (30) consumers to one (1) certified Peer
Specialist, based on average daily attendance of consumers in the program.
8. There must be a maximum face-to-face ratio of an average of not more than fifteen (15) consumers to one (1) direct
service/program staff, based on the average daily attendance of consumers in the program.
9. All staff must have an understanding of recovery and psychosocial rehabilitation principles as defined by the Georgia
Consumer Council and psychosocial rehabilitation principles published by IAPSRS and must possess the skills and ability to assist
other consumers in their own recovery processes.
C. Clinical Operations
1. This service must operate at an established site approved to bill Medicaid for services. However, individual or group
activities may take place off-site in natural community settings as is appropriate to the participating consumers’ Individual Services
Plans (ISPs) developed by each individual for him/herself, with assistance from the Program staff.
2. This service may operate in the same building as other day services; however, there must be a distinct separation between
these services in staffing, program description, and physical space during the hours the Peer Supports program is in operation,
except as provided above.
3. Adequate space, equipment, furnishings, supplies, and other resources must be provided in order that services can be
provided effectively and so that the program environment is clean and in good repair. Space, equipment, furnishings, supplies,
transportation, and other resources for consumer use within the Peer Supports program must not be substantially different from
space provided for other uses for similar numbers of individuals.
4. Staff of the Peer Supports Program must be treated as equal to any other staff of the facility or organization and must be
provided equivalent opportunities for training (both mandated and offered) and pay and benefits that are competitive and
comparable to other staff based on experience and skill level.
5. Weekly progress notes must document consumer progress relative to functioning and skills related to goals identified in
his/her ISP.
6. Daily attendance of each consumer participating in the program must be documented for billing purposes.
7. When this service is used in conjunction with Psychosocial Rehabilitation, and ACT, documentation must demonstrate careful
planning to maximize the effectiveness of this service as well as appropriate reduction in service amounts. Utilization of this
service in conjunction with these services will be subject to UM/UR review.
8. Each consumer should set his or her own individualized goals and assess his or her own skills and resources related to goal
attainment. Goals are set by exploring strengths and needs in the consumer’s living, learning, social, and working environments.
Implementation of services may take place individually or in groups.
9. Each consumer must be provided opportunity for peer assistance in the development and acquisition of needed skills and
resources necessary to achieve stated goals.
10. A Peer Supports program must offer a range of skill-building and recovery activities developed and led by consumers. These
activities must include those that will most effectively support achievement of the individual consumer’s rehabilitation and recovery
goals.
11. The program must have a Peer Supports Organizational Plan addressing the following:
• A service philosophy reflecting recovery principles as articulated by the Georgia Consumer Council, August 1, 2001. This
philosophy must be actively incorporated into all services and activities, e.g.:
View each individual as the director of his/her rehabilitation and recovery process;
Promote the value of self-help, peer support and personal empowerment to foster recovery;
Promote information about mental illness and coping skills.
Promote peer-to-peer training of individual skills, social skills, community/natural resources, and group and individual
advocacy;
Promote supported employment and education that fosters self-determination and career advancement;
Support each consumer to “get a life” using natural occurring resources to replace the resources of the mental health system
no longer needed.
Support each consumer to fully integrate into accepting communities in the least intrusive environment that promotes
housing of his/her choice.
Actively seek ongoing consumer input into program and service content so as to meet each individual’s needs and goals and
foster the recovery process.
• A description of the particular consumer empowerment models utilized, types of activities offered, and typical daily
curriculum and schedule; if offered, meals should be described as an adjunctive peer relationship building activity rather than as a
central activity.
• A description of the staffing pattern, plans for staff who have or will achieve Peer Specialist and APRP credentials, and how
staff are deployed to ensure that the required staff-to-consumer ratios are maintained, including how unplanned staff absences,
illnesses, etc. are accommodated;
• A description of how consumer staff within the agency will be given opportunities to meet with or otherwise receive support
from other consumers (including Georgia certified Peer Specialists) both within and outside the agency;
• A description of how consumers will be encouraged and supported to seek Georgia certification as a Peer Specialist, e.g.,
participation in training opportunities; peer or other counseling regarding anxiety about test-taking, assistance with study skills,
information about training and testing opportunities, opportunities to hear from and interact with consumers who are already
certified, additional opportunities within the agency after certification, etc.
• A description of how the consumer staff will participate in clinical team meetings at the request of a consumer and the
procedure for the Program Leader requesting a team meeting;
• A description of the hours of operation, the staff assigned, and the types of services and activities provided for and by
consumers as well as for families, parents, and/or guardians;
• A description of the program’s decision-making processes including how consumers direct decision-making about both
individual and program-wide activities and about key policies and dispute resolution processes;
• A description of how consumers participating in the service at any given time will be given the opportunity to participate in
and make decisions about the activities that are conducted or services offered within the Peer Supports program, and about the
schedule of those activities and services, as well as other operational issues.
• A description of the space, furnishings, materials, supplies, transportation, and other resources available for consumers
participating in the Peer Supports services; A description of the governing body and/or advisory structures indicating how this
body/structure meets requirements for consumer leadership and cultural diversity;
• A description of how the plan for services and activities will be modified or adjusted to meet the needs specified in each
consumer’s ISP.
• A description of how consumer requests for discharge and change in services or service intensity are handled.
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| Volunteers wanted for Peer to Peer at Del Valley Correctional Facility; Requirements: Volunteer Form Application, Background Check, Time Availability Weekdays 7-9; Week-ends. Interested: jenpadron@austin.rr.com |
JOBS: http://www.atcmhmr.org
4 Peer-to-Peer Socialization and QMHP
Rehabilitation positions at PES, The
Inn and BRAND NEW Crisis Respite,
North Lamar location to assist
consumers in acute
4 Peer-to-Peer Socialization and QMHP
Rehabilitation positions at PES, The
Inn and BRAND NEW Crisis Respite,
North Lamar location to assist
consumers in acute
