Massachusetts

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Is there a state-endorsed certification process?: 

Yes, The state funds and endorses Kiva Center's CPS training and certification, under a contract which started January 1, 2020.

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

Yes

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

High School Diploma or equivalent (GED, HiSET, etc.)

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

18 years of age or older

Living or working in Massachusetts

Lived experience with mental health, emotional health and/or trauma resulting in significant life disruption

Willingness to share your recovery story in the context of peer support

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

Actively working on mental health recovery/wellness for at least 1 year

Asses readiness using ""CPS Training Self-assessment""

Schedule an Interview

Complete CPS Application

Obtain two Letters of Recommendation

Upload letter and/or application to CPS Port 24 hours before interview

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

Multiple days of training over 4 -10 weeks with a 3-day retreat. Multiple days of training over 4 -10 weeks. Also available are offerings via Webinar with 50 contact hours. Approximate Total of 50 hrs of training.

What is the average cost for CPS training?: 
The program is funded by The Massachusetts Department of Mental Health
Who is responsible for paying for training? (List all): 

MA DMH

Other potential funding sources.: 

N/A

Is there a state-wide certification test?: 
Test is given by training organization
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 with training
Does the certification test need to be taken regularly to maintain certification?: 

No

Aside from any fees for the training or state-wide certification test, are there other certification fees/costs?: 
None
Is there a statewide certification body?: 

The Transformation Center (Kiva Center) certification is statewide. The Center has a CPS Oversight Committee of subject matter experts.

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

The CPS Oversight Committee advises the CPS Training Program Coordinator regarding all aspects of the program, including curriculum, training and testing processes, policy and procedures, program evaluation, and meeting the needs of the community.

Membership is made up of people with expertise in education, research, testing, hiring and integrating Certified Peer Specialists into the public mental health system, CPS practitioners and persons with lived experience who are not CPS.

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

The Kiva Center has information about their upcoming trainings on their website. https://transformation-center.org/home/training/certified-peer-specialists/

On average, how often are trainings held in your state?: 
8 times a year
Training providers (vendors) and their contact information.: 

There is only one approved vendor, Kiva Centers dba Transformation Center. The CPS program is funded under contract with the MA Department of Mental Health

What are the continuing education requirements?: 



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

No, MaDMH does expect that a path to become a supervisor is provided by the employer of the CPS.

Additional specializations available for certified peer specialists:: 

Peer Recovery Coach (substance addiction)

Certified Older Adult Peer Specialist (age 50+)

Forensic Peer Specialist

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

CPS (Certified Peer Specialist, Mental Health)

PRC (Peer Recovery Coach, Substance Addiction)

Are Certified Peer Specialists services Medicaid reimbursable?: 

Yes, by Medicaid waiver 1115 MA Adult Supports (0828.R02.00)

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

Most peer support is paid out of state budget dollars through the MA Department of Mental Health. Medicaid waiver 1115 MA Adult Supports (0828.R02.00)

Is digital peer support available? Medicaid reimbursable?: 

Kiva Centers have various peer support online events but all appear to be group oriented.

Is there a statewide Peer Specialist organization?: 

Yes

Name of Statewide Peer Specialists Organization: 

The Kiva Center, also known as The Transformation Center

Peer Specialists Organization Website: 

https://kivacenters.org/trainings/certified-peer-specialist/

Peer Specialists Organization Primary Contact: 

Kiva Center: info@kivacenters.org

Other relevant/helpful contacts:: 

Massachusetts Department of Mental Health, Office of Recovery and Empowerment, Robert Walker: robert.walker@mass.gov

Many more can be found in the Massachusetts Behavioral Health Partnership's "Addiction and Mental Health Recovery Peer Support Resource Guide" https://www.masspartnership.com/pdf/PeerSupportResourceGuide.pdf

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://transformation-center.org/home/training/certified-peer-specialists/

https://kivacenters.org/trainings/certified-peer-specialist/

https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2019/03/20/Peer%20Support%20Worker%...

https://transformation-center.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/CPS-FAQs-No...

Additional Info: 



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

Yes, in person events and training are temporarily canceled.