Maine

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Is there a state-endorsed certification process?: 

Yes

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



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

Must be 18 years or older
Must identify as a person who has experienced a mental health challenge that has seriously impacted life and relationships for an extended period of time.

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

Preference is given to people who are currently employed/volunteering or have an offer of employment in a peer support position that requires Intentional Peer Support Specialist Certification.
Have already completed Peer Support 101 (3-hour class) and/or Healthy Connections (4-day class)
3 references completed with application.

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

Apply to Intentional Peer Support (IPS) Training
Once accepted, complete online training.
Complete Core Training 8-10 day classroom training (only allowed to miss up to 5 hours, day 1 and 2 need cannot be missed, classes must be made up in next round of training and if they are not made up the entire training must be repeated. Must complete final test of training.
Following core training, individual has 6 weeks to complete follow up workbook. Upon completing follow up workbook, individual is awarded a provisional certificate.
Individuals then have 1 year to complete following fieldwork requirements to receive full certification:
- 1 Co-reflection per quarter after core training (4 must be completed in a year to receive full certification)
- 2 courses/trainings of continuing education per year
- 72 hours of IPS practice (can be obtained through volunteer work, paid employment or personal time in relationships as long as IPS skills are being used. Hours may be reported annually or quarterly).

What is the average cost for CPS training?: 
All trainings (pre-requisites included) are provided at no cost.
Who is responsible for paying for training? (List all): 

N/A

Other potential funding sources.: 

N/A

Is there a state-wide certification test?: 
No but that training concludes with a final test. No score requirement mentioned, specifically test must just be 'completed.' If an individual becomes 6 months or more behind in the required year of fieldwork, they must take a written and oral exam.
What are the personal/professional requirements for certification, if they differ from attending the training?: 



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



What is the cost of the certification test?: 
Included in training.
Does the certification test need to be taken regularly to maintain certification?: 

No but if a person fails to keep up on their annual fieldwork required to maintain certification, they may be asked to repeat the training and the final test or may be asked to take a written and oral exam.

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, Maine Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services

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

Office of Behavioral Health (OBH)
State House Station #11
Augusta, Maine 04333-0011
Phone: (207)287-2595

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

https://www.eventbrite.com/o/maine-cipss-training-program-1733431674

On average, how often are trainings held in your state?: 
3 trainings per year (Spring, Summer, and Fall)
Training providers (vendors) and their contact information.: 

Maine Department of Health and Human Services Office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (Recovery Team/SAMHS)

41 Anthony Avenue
SHS 11
Augusta, ME 04333‐0011
Phone: (207) 287-2595

Specific contact person:
Kelly Staples
207-215-5389
kelly.staples@maine.gov

What are the continuing education requirements?: 

Continuing education requirements are the same as provisional certification fieldwork. Each year CIPSS must attend 1 co-reflection per quarter, 2 courses/training a year (cannot be the same topic within the same year), and 72 hours of IPS practice.
Every other year, individuals will go through a Fidelity Review to demonstrate proficiency in IPS skills, beginning at least a year after Core training. (Recommendations may be made for further study or tutoring to help CIPSS improve their skills and demonstrate proficiency to maintain their certification).

Who tracks CEUs?: 
Individuals must track their progress/hours in co-reflection, continuing education, and IPS practice.'
Is there a certification requirement for CPS Supervisors? If yes, provide details of requirements and relevant information.: 



Additional specializations available for certified peer specialists:: 

Family or Youth Support Specialist

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

CIPSS - Certified Intentional Peer Support Specialist

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?: 

Affordable Care Act (section 2703 of the Affordable Care Act, 42 U.S.C. § 1396w-4

Is digital peer support available? Medicaid reimbursable?: 



Is there a statewide Peer Specialist organization?: 

Yes

Name of Statewide Peer Specialists Organization: 

Amistad - Peer Support and Recovery

Maine Association of Peer Support and Recovery Centers

Peer Specialists Organization Website: 

https://amistadmaine.org/our-mission/

Other relevant/helpful contacts:: 

Brian Townsend - Executive director
(207) 773-1956
info@amistadmaine.org

mapsrc.info@gmail.com

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

Annual Peer Support Specialist Network of Maine Statewide Event

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



Helpful Websites/ References: 

https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/samhs/mentalhealth/wellness/intentional_peer....

https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/samhs/mentalhealth/wellness/peer-support-101....

https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/samhs/mentalhealth/wellness/ipps-requirements...

https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/samhs/mentalhealth/wellness/documents/2016-CI...

https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/samhs/mentalhealth/wellness/intentional_peer....

https://www.eventbrite.com/o/maine-cipss-training-program-1733431674

Additional Info: 

Kelly Staples
207-215-5389
kelly.staples@maine.gov

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