Minnesota

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

have a high school diploma or its equivalent

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

must be at least 21 years of age
must have had a primary diagnosis of mental illness
be a current or former consumer of mental health services

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

* Demonstrate leadership and advocacy skills and a strong dedication to recovery

* Submit 2 letters of recommendation via email to peerslink@northlandcounseling.org, mail to the above address, OR fax to 218-999-4041.
* Complete a phone interview with a member of the PS link Team

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

Each training event is two weeks (Monday through Friday only), 40 hours per week, and typically follows an 8:00-4:30 schedule.

What is the average cost for CPS training?: 

Who is responsible for paying for training? (List all): 



Other potential funding sources.: 



Is there a state-wide certification test?: 
Yes, the certification exam seems to be part of the training.
What are the personal/professional requirements for certification, if they differ from attending the training?: 

Level I peer specialists must meet the criteria as above.

Certified Peer Specialists Level II must meet all requirements of a Level I CPS and one or more of the following criteria:
• Is qualified as a Minnesota ""mental health practitioner""
• A CPS on a crisis stabilization team must complete at least 30 hours of crisis intervention and stabilization training during their first two years on the team.

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



What is the cost of the certification test?: 
The certification exam is part of the training.
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, the State of Minnesota through the Minnesota Department of Human Services.

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

Email: YourOpinionMatters.DHS@state.mn.us

Address:
Elmer L. Andersen Human Services Building
540 Cedar Street
St Paul, MN 55155

Mailing address:
Behavioral Health Division
PO Box 64977
St. Paul, MN 55164-0977

Phone: 651-431-2460
Fax: 651-431-7566

Hours of operation: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

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

http://peerslinktohope.org/training/

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

Training providers (vendors) and their contact information.: 

Peers: Link to HOPE Initiative
3130 SE 2nd Ave
Grand Rapids MN 55744

Phone: 218-999-4012
Fax: 218-999-4041
Email: peerslink@northlandcounseling.org

What are the continuing education requirements?: 

Peer Specialists must complete and maintain documentation of 30 hours continuing education in areas of mental health recovery, mental health rehabilitative services, and peer support.

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

CPS Level II must be supervised as under the "Clinical Supervision of Outpatient Mental Health Services"

Additional specializations available for certified peer specialists:: 



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?: 

Medicaid rehabilitation services option

Is digital peer support available? Medicaid reimbursable?: 



Is there a statewide Peer Specialist organization?: 



Name of Statewide Peer Specialists Organization: 



Peer Specialists Organization Website: 



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://mn.gov/dhs/people-we-serve/adults/health-care/mental-health/prog...

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/2015/cite/256B.0615?keyword_type=all...

https://www.dhs.state.mn.us/main/idcplg?IdcService=GET_DYNAMIC_CONVERSIO...

https://mn.gov/dhs/partners-and-providers/policies-procedures/adult-ment...

Additional Info: 



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

Trainings may be rescheduled due to COVID-19. 'Peers Link to Hope' are still taking and processing applications and phone interviews for future trainings.