Wyoming

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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?: 

No, although the certification application allows one to indicate "Experience Areas."

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

Hold a high school diploma or equivalence

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

Identify themselves as former or current consumer of mental health or dual diagnoses services or substance use disorder treatment and/or recovery services
Be well-grounded in their own recovery
Be 21 years old or older

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?: 

To receive a Peer Specialist certificate from the Behavioral Health Division (BHD), Wyoming Department of Health, the peer specialist will have completed a peer specialist basic competency course of no less than thirty-six (36) contact hours. The training must be pre-approved by the BHD. The course must include all of the Core Competencies for Wyoming’s Peer Specialists.

What is the average cost for CPS training?: 

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

Applicant

Other potential funding sources.: 



Is there a state-wide certification test?: 
No
What are the personal/professional requirements for certification, if they differ from attending the training?: 

Application must be filled out, and applicant attests they will "strive to adhere to the Wyoming Peer Specialist Professional Ethics and to improve competency as a Peer Specialist."

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

A background check is not required for Peer Specialists.

What is the cost of the certification test?: 
N/A
Does the certification test need to be taken regularly to maintain certification?: 

N/A

Aside from any fees for the training or state-wide certification test, are there other certification fees/costs?: 
No.
Is there a statewide certification body?: 

Yes

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

Behavioral Health Division, Wyoming Department of Health
Attn: Peer Specialists
6101 Yellowstone Road, Suite 220
Cheyenne, WY 82002

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

https://health.wyo.gov/behavioralhealth/mhsa/initiatives/peer-specialists/

On average, how often are trainings held in your state?: 
Varies across the state according to region.
Training providers (vendors) and their contact information.: 

Any training that lasts 32 hours or more and includes all of the topics listed on the Wyoming Peer Specialist Competencies qualifies.

What are the continuing education requirements?: 

At least thirty (30) days before your current peer specialist certificate expires, the peer specialist will submit documentation to show that, at a minimum, training has been obtained in these two areas:
1. Attend the Wyoming Peer Specialist Annual Meeting and Training during the previous 18 months with at least fourteen (14) contact hours.
2. Attend at least five hours of other training related to the advancement of peer specialist proficiencies. These trainings must include interaction with other people in the room or virtually via a computer.
a. Document with an agenda, sign-in sheet, and/or other information showing attendance.
b. Document with an agenda, sign-in sheet, and/or other information showing attendance.
c. Recommended trainings are listed under the “Continuing Training” tab at http://health.wyo.gov/peer-specialist
* Provide the BHD with the Peer Specialist Certification Application Form showing that these requirements have been accomplished

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



Additional specializations available for certified peer specialists:: 

Mastery Endorsement
Whole Health Endorsement
Forensic Endorsement

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

Wyoming Peer Specialist
Family Support Partner
Youth Support Partner

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?: 

Youth and Family Support Partners are paid for by a Wyoming Section 1915(b) Waiver: Wyoming Medicaid’s Youth Initiative

EqualityCare is Wyoming's Medicaid program, which provides peer support, bills it under Skills Training.

Is digital peer support available? Medicaid reimbursable?: 



Is there a statewide Peer Specialist organization?: 

No

Name of Statewide Peer Specialists Organization: 

N/A

Peer Specialists Organization Website: 

N/A

Peer Specialists Organization Primary Contact: 

N/A

Other relevant/helpful contacts:: 



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

Yes, one is required for Continuing Education: the Wyoming Peer Specialist Annual Meeting.

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

Peer specialists can achieve a Mastery endorsement, which signifies they have made substantial contributions to the field.

Helpful Websites/ References: 

https://health.wyo.gov/behavioralhealth/mhsa/initiatives/peer-specialists/

https://health.wyo.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Wyoming-Peer-Specialis...

Additional Info: 



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