Arizona

See something which needs to be changed, corrected, or updated? Let us know!
Is there a state-endorsed certification process?: 

There is no specific credential, however the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) has "established training requirements and credentialing standards" for every peer recovery training program.

Does the state differentiate between Mental Health Peer Support Specialists and Substance Use Peer Support Specialists?: 

No, both are included in Peer-and-Recovery Support Specialist (PRSS) credentials.

What are the educational requirements to apply for a peer specialist training program?: 

Not all training organizations make this info readily available. However, available information suggests the minimum is a GED or High School Diploma.

What are the personal requirements to apply for a peer specialist training program?: 

Requirements vary from program to program. Some training organizations require Intake to their program, enrollment in AHCCCS, etc.

What are the professional requirements needed to apply for a peer specialist training program?: 

Meet the requirements to function as a behavioral health paraprofessional, behavioral health technician, or behavioral health professional.

Min is for behavioral health paraprofessional:
-Minimum of 6 months of Behavioral Health experience required
-High School Diploma/ GED
-Level 1 Fingerprint Card
-CPR/ First Aid
-TB Test

What are the training requirements to become a Certified Peer Specialist?: 

AHCCCS has minimum curriculum standards that Peer Support Employment Training Program (PSETP) providers must comply with.

What is the average cost for CPS training?: 
Unclear. AHCCCS ACC health Plan or RBHA can pay for training if approved but PSETP providers do not publish costs.
Who is responsible for paying for training? (List all): 

Individual, AHCCCS ACC health Plan or Regional Behavioral Health Agency. Some PSETP are also employers and may pay for employee training.

Other potential funding sources.: 



Is there a state-wide certification test?: 
Yes, however each PSETP provides a state approved competency exam, which is different from one PSETP to the next.
What are the personal/professional requirements for certification, if they differ from attending the training?: 

N/A

Is a background check required? If so, is a criminal record a disqualification for certification?: 

While there is no background check for the credential, a Level 1 fingerprint check is required to work in a setting reimbursed by Medicaid per the requirements to function as a behavioral health paraprofessional, behavioral health technician, or behavioral health professional.

What is the cost of the certification test?: 
Appears to be included in training costs but information on costs are not readily available.
Does the certification test need to be taken regularly to maintain certification?: 

State requires continuing education but no need for retaking certification tests once passed. The credential is "lifetime."

Aside from any fees for the training or state-wide certification test, are there other certification fees/costs?: 
No.
Is there a statewide certification body?: 

No but AHCCCS approves training entities.

Please provide as much information about the certification board/body as possible.: 

Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS)

Where can information be found for upcoming peer support trainings?: 

Check each training provider for upcoming provider. No centralized source found.

On average, how often are trainings held in your state?: 
Varies across the state according to region.
Training providers (vendors) and their contact information.: 

This list is provided by AHCCCS.

Arizona Complete Health / 480-689-1995 / azcompletehealth.com

CHEEERS / 602-246-7607 / cheeers.org

CODAC / 520-327-4505 / codac.org

Community Bridges, Inc. / 877-931-9142 / communitybridgesaz.org

ConnectionsAZ / Phoenix 602-476-7600;Tucson 520-301-2400 / connectionsaz.org

COPA Health / 480-969-3800 / marccr.com

Coyote Task Force / 520-884-5553 / ctftucson.org

Crossroads / 602-263-5242 / thecrossroadsinc.org

Four Directions, LLC. / 480-699-2344 / 4directionsllc.com

Health Choice Arizona / 800-322-8670 / healthchoiceaz.com

Hope Lives/Vive La Esperanza / Phoenix 855-747-6522;Flagstaff 928-440-5002 / hopelivesaz.org

HOPE, Inc. / 520-770-1197 / hopearizona.org

La Frontera, EMPACT / 520-884-9920 / lafronteraaz.org

Lifewell / 602-808-2822 / lifewell.us

MIKID / 602-253-1240 / mikid.org

NAMI Southern Arizona / 520-622-5582 / namisa.org

NAZCARE / 928-442-9205 ext. 0 / nazcare.org

NCADD Phoenix / 602-264-6214 / ncadd-phx.org

Recovery Empowerment Network (REN) / 602-248-0368 / renaz.org

Resilient Health / 877-779-2470 / resilienthealthaz.org

RI International / 866-481-5361 / riinternational.com

Southwest Behavioral & Health Services / 602-265-8338 / sbhservices.org

STAR / 602-685-1296 / thestarcenters.org

Terros Health / 602-685-6000 / terroshealth.org

The Guidance Center / 928-527-1899 / tgcaz.org

Transitional Living Center (TLCR) / Casa Grande 520-423-9941;Yuma 928-261-8668 /tlcrecoverycasagrande.com; tlcrecoveryyuma.com

University of Arizona / 520-621-1642 / fcm.arizona.edu/workforce-development-program

WholeLife Community / 602-899-1033 / wholelifearizona.com

What are the continuing education requirements?: 

At least 2 hours per year.

Who tracks CEUs?: 
Individuals, contractors and/or employers.
Is there a certification requirement for CPS Supervisors? If yes, provide details of requirements and relevant information.: 

None found. Peer Support Specialists are supervised by individuals qualified as Behavioral Health Technicians or Behavioral Health Professionals.

Additional specializations available for certified peer specialists:: 



What are the different acronyms used to distinguish peer supporters and specific peer support specialties?: 

There is only the PRSS - Peer-and-Recovery Support Specialist.

Are Certified Peer Specialists services Medicaid reimbursable?: 

Yes, complies with Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)requirements for delivery of Peer Supports Services per CMS memo SMDL #07-011. Peer specialists must be employed through a qualified provider for services to be reimbursable.

How are peer support services paid for by the state? What specific Medicaid waivers are used, if any?: 

Arizona funds many peer support services through an 1115 Waiver.

Is digital peer support available? Medicaid reimbursable?: 

It varies from region to region.

Is there a statewide Peer Specialist organization?: 



Name of Statewide Peer Specialists Organization: 



Peer Specialists Organization Website: 



Peer Specialists Organization Primary Contact: 



Other relevant/helpful contacts:: 

AHCCCS has a list of Peer-Run Organizations. https://www.azahcccs.gov/AHCCCS/Downloads/PeerRunOrganizationsFlyer.pdf

Are there conferences held in the state specifically for Peer Supporters?: 

NAMI Arizona holds an annual meeting and includes programs geared towards peers and peer support specialists.

http://www.namiarizona.org/page39/page56/index.html

Are there recognition or award opportunities for peer support specialists or Substance Use Peer Support Specialists?: 

Of the 8 different regional health plans, many hold conferences and award recognition at various times. There is no statewide award or recognition.

Helpful Websites/ References: 

https://www.azahcccs.gov/AHCCCS/HealthcareAdvocacy/OIFA.html

https://www.azcompletehealth.com/providers/resources/provider-manual/pm_...

https://www.azahcccs.gov/AHCCCS/Downloads/PeerRecoverySupportSpecialist.pdf