Indiana

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

Yes.

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

No. There are specific endorsements for substance use disorder and gambling peer recovery specialists.

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

Have a high school diploma or equivalent.

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

Must be 18 years or older.
Must have lived experiences receiving mental health or substance use treatment
Must have been in recovery for at least one year.

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



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

CRS certification involves a five day training, where participants are taught the skills they need to know to effectively mentor other peers; there is an exam at the end of the five day training that tests the knowledge participants have gained. Once a participant has passed the exam, they receive a formal state certification. Peers who complete and pass the CRS training also become certified as CHWs (Certified Health Worker), as the CHW training is included in the 5-day CRS training.

What is the average cost for CPS training?: 
Application Fee (non-refundable): $35.00 plus a $250 Training Fee
Who is responsible for paying for training? (List all): 



Other potential funding sources.: 

DMHA-Sponsored Trainings allow for 15 sponsored seats where the only applied fee is the $35 Application Fee; Applicant references & phone interviews are presented to a review committee 4 weeks prior to training start date & sponsored seats are awarded; Applying for this class does not guarantee you a sponsored seat.

Is there a state-wide certification test?: 
Yes, given as part of training but required for certification.
What are the personal/professional requirements for certification, if they differ from attending the training?: 

In order to be eligible to sit for your CHW/CRS exam you must also submit two professional references and complete a phone interview.

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

Yes, it's required.

What is the cost of the certification test?: 
$115
Does the certification test need to be taken regularly to maintain certification?: 



Aside from any fees for the training or state-wide certification test, are there other certification fees/costs?: 

Is there a statewide certification body?: 

Yes

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

Peer Network Indiana

https://peernetworkindiana.org/

info@mhaac.com

Mental Health America of Northeast Indiana
1025 West Rudisill Blvd – Box 8
Fort Wayne, Indiana, 46807
Office: (260) 422-6441

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

https://peernetworkindiana.org/training-schedule/

On average, how often are trainings held in your state?: 

Training providers (vendors) and their contact information.: 

Peer Network Indiana

Peer Network Indiana

https://peernetworkindiana.org/

info@mhaac.com

Mental Health America of Northeast Indiana
1025 West Rudisill Blvd – Box 8
Fort Wayne, Indiana, 46807
Office: (260) 422-6441

What are the continuing education requirements?: 

Certified individuals must obtain at least 14 hours of CEUs by May 31st of each year.

CEUs are measured in hours (1 hour of learning = 1 hour of CEU).

Who tracks CEUs?: 
The individual completes the CEU Record portion of the CHW & CRS Renewal Application.
Is there a certification requirement for CPS Supervisors? If yes, provide details of requirements and relevant information.: 

Individuals providing Peer Recovery Services must be under the supervision of a licensed professional or Qualified Behavioral Health Professional.

Additional specializations available for certified peer specialists:: 

Indiana Community Health Worker/Certified Recovery Specialist – Substance Abuse (CHW/CRS-SA)
Indiana Community Health Worker/Certified Recovery Specialist – Gambling Addiction (CHW/CRS-GA).

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



Are Certified Peer Specialists services Medicaid reimbursable?: 

Yes

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

Indiana Medicaid Rehab Option applies to CRSs employed in community mental health centers.

Is digital peer support available? Medicaid reimbursable?: 

Peer Recovery services are defined as 'Face-to-Face' in the Indiana Medicaid providers manual.

Is there a statewide Peer Specialist organization?: 

Yes.

Name of Statewide Peer Specialists Organization: 

Indiana Association of Peer Recovery Support Services

Peer Specialists Organization Website: 

https://www.iaprss.org/

Peer Specialists Organization Primary Contact: 

info@IAPRSS.org

Other relevant/helpful contacts:: 



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



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



Helpful Websites/ References: 

https://secure.in.gov/isdh/files/ASPINandDMHA_-_CHW_Presentation.pdf

https://peernetworkindiana.org/crs-eligibility-and-application-process/

https://peernetworkindiana.org/crs-application/

https://peernetworkindiana.org/renew-your-certification/

Additional Info: 

Indiana allows Peer Support to be provided to youth ages 16-18 with an approved prior authorization.

If there are recent changes to the certification process due to COVID-19, are the changes permanent, temporary or other?: 

MHANI will continually monitor ISDH regulations regarding COVID-19, and how this could impact in-person CHW/CRS Trainings. If in-person trainings are restricted, MHANI will convert in-person trainings to a virtual format, and will offer refunds to those without virtual access.