Peer Specialist Training & Certification

Via Hope trains and certifies peer specialists in the state of Texas.  A Via Hope Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) is an individual in recovery who has been trained to effectively use their recovery story to help other individuals with their recovery.  The curriculum used was developed by the Appalachian Consulting Group (ACG), the leading provider of peer specialist training in the United States. The course is taught by experienced trainers from ACG and by Texas Certified Peer Specialist trainers.

The Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) course is an intensive forty-hour training followed by a written certification exam. Participants must successfully complete both to become certified.  Once certified, a peer specialist must earn at least 20 CEUs every two years to maintain his or her certification.  The program is administered according to the policies in the Via Hope Certified Peer Specialist Policy and Procedure Manual.

The next upcoming Peer Specialist Training will be held in Austin in July, 2012. Please review the Training Readiness Guide (below) to prepare for the application process.

To view the Training Readiness Guide, click here.

To view the CPS Application, click here.

To view the Policy and Procedure Manual, click here.

Via Hope Certified Peer Specialist Online Forum (access available only to Via Hope CPSs).

In addition to the basic CPS training, Via Hope also provides:

De-Mystifying the Peer Workforce: Strategies for Successful Peer Specialist Integration - This 1 ½ day training course is designed to provide an understanding of the role, job functions, and skills that Via Hope Certified Peer Specialists learn during their five-day certification training. Click here for further information.

Peer Specialist Whole Health and Resiliency Training – A report issued in 2007 by the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors (NASMHPD) stated that individuals served by public mental health services live an average of 25 years less than the general population.  In Texas, this disparity is 29 years.  This two day PSWHR training teaches Certified Peer Specialists (must have previously been certified by Via Hope) the relationship between physical and mental health and the importance of treating the whole person, not just their mental health.  Peer specialists learn how to help consumers to set and achieve health goals and how to help them build resiliency by practicing the “relaxation response,” an easy to learn exercise that help individuals effectively deal with stress.

Peer specialist training and related courses are offered without a registration fee, and most expenses incurred during training are covered by Via Hope.  Scholarships are available for the remaining costs to ensure that finances are not a barrier to anyone participating in the training.  See the peer specialist training calendar for specific dates and locations of training.

CPSs are eligible to participate in a statewide online community for Certified Peer Specialists.  This community is a source for mutual support, advice, and shared experience.  Via Hope Certified Peer Specialist Online Forum (access available only to Via Hope CPSs--must be registered and logged in to view and post).