Yes
Yes.
Certified Peer Specialist for mental health.
Certified Recovery Support Specialists for substance use.
High School Diploma or GED
Must be in recovery from a diagnosed mental illness.
Must be open minded and willing to share recovery story publicly.
Must have effective communication skills, both written and oral.
Must have a clear understanding of recovery from mental illness.
Must have a basic understanding of mental illness and the mental health system.
Must have the ability to work with individuals or groups.
Must have the ability to serve as a role model, showing by example that recovery is possible.
Must have the ability to work a set schedule.
5 day training with evening sessions, homework and final exam.
The State of Alabama
N/A
Must have the ability to relay coping skills, positive attitude skills and self- esteem building strategies.
Must have the ability to assist in establishing support systems and interface with agencies, organizations, and groups.
Must have the ability to facilitate peer support/self-help groups.
Must have a basic knowledge of empowerment and the goals and objectives of the consumer movement.
Must have a basic knowledge of consumer rights and advocacy.
Must have the ability to connect with individuals in treatment for mental illness.
* Have the ability to understand the unique experience of mental illness.
Background check is not required for certification.
No, unless certification lapses.
Yes
Alabama Office of Peer Programs
https://mh.alabama.gov/peer-programs/
1-800-832-0952 Toll Free
334-242-3456 Montgomery Area
334-242-3025 Fax"
Alabama Office of Peer Programs
1-800-832-0952 Toll Free
334-242-3456 Montgomery Area
Must attend quarterly continuing education sessions.
A certified peer specialist must be supervised by a Rehabilitative Services Professional. Rehabilitative Services Professionals are defined as the following:
• A psychologist licensed under Alabama law
• A professional counselor licensed under Alabama law
• A certified social worker licensed under Alabama law
• A marriage and family therapist licensed under Alabama law
• A registered nurse licensed under Alabama law who has completed a master’s degree in
psychiatric nursing
• A Masters Level Clinician is an individual possessing a master’s degree or above from a
university or college with an accredited program for the respective degree in
psychology, social work, counseling or other human service field areas who meets at
least one of the following qualifications:
- Has successfully completed a practicum as a part of the requirement for the
degree OR
- Has six months of post master’s level clinical experience AND
- Has supervision by a master’s level or above clinician with two years of
postgraduate clinical experience.
__________________________________________
3 Certifications possible:
- Certified Mental Health Youth Peer Specialist
- Certified Mental Health Adult Peer Specialist
- Mental Health Parent Peer Support Specialist
• Certified Mental Health Youth Peer Specialist (CMHYPS)
• Certified Mental Health Adult Peer Specialist (CMHAPS)
• Mental Health Parent Peer Support Specialist (MHPPSS)
Yes
Peer support is paid for by Medicaid.
Yes, but not Medicaid-reimbursable.
Yes
Wings Across Alabama
Michael Autrey
Director
Alabama Office of Peer Programs
334-242-3456
michael.autrey@mh.alabama.gov
Annual Alabama Institute for Recovery Conference
This 3-day conference offers educational and inspirational tracks, while promoting opportunities for true peer camaraderie and empowerment.
There is also an Annual Substance Abuse Peer Conference, which is a state-wide educational conference for Certified Recovery Support Specialists.
Yes, the Hope Award, the Peer Warrior Award, and the Respect Award.
No changes.