Is there a state-endorsed certification process?:
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?:
No requirement mentioned but the application does ask for "Highest level of education completed"
What are the personal requirements to apply for a peer specialist training program?:
18 years of age or older
""Individual in Recovery"": A person who has applied for, is eligible for, or has received mental health and/or substance use services currently or in the past.
Typed ""essays"" to cover; 1) Provide a history of your recovery journey, 2) Describe what you are doing to remain in recovery, and 3) In what ways have you assisted others using your own experience as an example?
What are the professional requirements needed to apply for a peer specialist training program?:
Two letters of reference. One should be from a clinical professional who is willing to describe where the applicant is in the recovery process.
What are the training requirements to become a Certified Peer Specialist?:
There are three training programs and all must have no less than 40 hours of face-to-face instruction.
What is the average cost for CPS training?:
Utah State University CPSS Training is free through a federal grant.
Who is responsible for paying for training? (List all):
Other potential funding sources.:
Is there a state-wide certification test?:
No, a qualification exam is required prior to training. Must pass with 70%.
What are the personal/professional requirements for certification, if they differ from attending the training?:
Each individual employer will have their own requirements
Is a background check required? If so, is a criminal record a disqualification for certification?:
Each individual employer will have their own requirements
What is the cost of the certification test?:
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?:
Certification is done through the Utah Department of Human Services division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Please provide as much information about the certification board/body as possible.:
Division of Substance Abuse & Mental Health:
195 North 1950 West
Salt Lake City, UT 84116
Phone: 801.538.3939
Fax: 801.538.9892
Public Information Office:
195 North 1950 West
Salt Lake City, UT 84116
24-Hour Media Phone: 801.520.2777
dsamh@utah.gov
Where can information be found for upcoming peer support trainings?:
Utah Department of Human Services division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health website
On average, how often are trainings held in your state?:
Training providers (vendors) and their contact information.:
Individual chooses training preference then state sends them contact info for the program.
Optum Health CPSS Training: No Contact info found
Utah State University CPSS Training: Can be completed at any Utah State University
Veteran's Administration CPSS: Contact Mark Hutcheson for more info. mark.hutcheson@va.gov or 801-582-1565 ext. 2748.
What are the continuing education requirements?:
20 hours of continuing education requirements every two years to include two hours of ethics training, six hours pertaining specifically to peer support services, one hour of suicide prevention training and eleven hours of general mental health and/or substance use disorder training.
Who tracks CEUs?:
The individual must maintain records for three years after the end of the renewal cycle the CEUs were required. A printout tracking sheet can be found at the state website.
Is there a certification requirement for CPS Supervisors? If yes, provide details of requirements and relevant information.:
CPS must be under supervision of a licensed mental health therapist. No specific CPS Supervisor certification.
Additional specializations available for certified peer specialists::
Child/Family Peer Support Specialist
What are the different acronyms used to distinguish peer supporters and specific peer support specialties?:
CPSS: Certified Peer Support Specialist
Are Certified Peer Specialists services Medicaid reimbursable?:
Yes, CPS must be under supervision of a licensed mental health therapist and clients can participate in a max of 4 hours of peer support services a day.
How are peer support services paid for by the state? What specific Medicaid waivers are used, if any?:
§1905(a)(13) of the Social Security Act and 42 CFR §440.130, Diagnostic, Screening, Preventive, and Rehabilitative Services
Is digital peer support available? Medicaid reimbursable?:
Is there a statewide Peer Specialist organization?:
Name of Statewide Peer Specialists Organization:
Peer Specialists Organization Website:
Peer Specialists Organization Primary Contact:
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:
Additional Info:
contact: Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (DSAMH)
Email: utahpeersupport@utah.gov
Attn: Utah Certified Peer Support Specialist Program
195 North 1950 West
Salt Lake City, UT 84116
If there are recent changes to the certification process due to COVID-19, are the changes permanent, temporary or other?:
