Montana

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Is there a state-endorsed certification process?:

Yes, "certified behavioral health peer support specialist" or "behavioral health peer support specialist".

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

No.

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

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

Peer training programs vary, however all require:

Applicant must identify as having a behavioral health condition.

Applicant must be ""in recovery"" for 2 years, which is defined partially as no hospitalizations longer than 72 hours and no incarceration.

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?:

Board approved 40-hour course with emphasis on ethics and a training exam.

What is the average cost for CPS training?:

$750 from MT Peer Network.

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

Applicant. Potentially employer.

Other potential funding sources.:

Is there a state-wide certification test?:

No, each training may have its own certification test.

What are the personal/professional requirements for certification, if they differ from attending the training?:

Similar to training requirements.

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

Yes, a background check is required. The application has space to "include a detailed explanation on the event(s) and documentation from the source (licensing board, federal agencies/programs, or civil/criminal court proceedings such as initiating/charging documents, final disposition/judgement documents, etc.)" so that "an applicant who has a history of criminal convictions has the opportunity to demonstrate to the board that the applicant is sufficiently rehabilitated to warrant the public trust. The board may deny the license if it determines that the applicant is not sufficiently rehabilitated."

What is the cost of the certification test?:

Included in 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?:

$125 application fee for the certification.

Is there a statewide certification body?:

Yes.

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

Montana Board of Behavioral Health
PO Box 200513
301 S Park, 4th Floor
Helena, MT 59620-0512
Phone: 406-444-6880
E-Mail: dlibsdhelp@mt.gov
Website: www.bbh.mt.gov

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

On the respective websites of the providers.

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

Quarterly with one agency, others seem to be available upon demand.

Training providers (vendors) and their contact information.:

This information is available online via the Montana Board of Behavioral Health and should be checked at their website ( http://boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov/bbh ) for the most up to date vendor list.

Montana’s Peer Network
https://mtpeernetwork.org/what-we-offer/trainings/ps101/
109 East Lewis Street, Livingston, MT 59047
406-551-1058
ashley@mtpeernetwork.org

What are the continuing education requirements?:

Complete 20 hours of continuing education and submit proof of completion.

Who tracks CEUs?:

The individual, as proof of completion is required.

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

CPS supervisors are required to meet criteria as laid out in 24.219.421 Administrative Rules of the state of Montana. It states a CBHPSS supervisor must be licensed as an LCSW, LCPC, LMFT, LAC, physician, psychologist, or an advanced practice registered nurse with a clinical specialty in psychiatric mental health nursing.
In addition, the supervisor must have:
(a) three years of licensed experience working in the supervisor's respective discipline; OR
(b) board-approved training in clinical supervision, which will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and must have a minimum of:
(i) one semester credit of post-licensure board-approved graduate education; or
(ii) 20 clock hours of board-approved training in clinical supervision

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, as of 2019.

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

Partially paid for through medical cannabis laws.

Is digital peer support available? Medicaid reimbursable?:

Is there a statewide Peer Specialist organization?:

Yes

Name of Statewide Peer Specialists Organization:

Montana’s Peer Network

Peer Specialists Organization Website: