Alabama
Alabama
Is there a state-endorsed certification process?
Yes
Does the state differentiate between Mental Health Peer Support Specialists and Substance Use Peer Support Specialists?
Yes.
Certified Peer Specialist for mental health.
Certified Recovery Support Specialists for substance use.
What are the educational requirements to apply for a peer specialist training program?
High School Diploma or GED
What are the personal requirements to apply for a peer specialist training program?
Must be in recovery from a diagnosed mental illness.
Must be open minded and willing to share recovery story publicly.
What are the professional requirements needed to apply for a peer specialist training program?
Must have effective communication skills, both written and oral.
Must have a clear understanding of recovery from mental illness.
Must have a basic understanding of mental illness and the mental health system.
Must have the ability to work with individuals or groups.
Must have the ability to serve as a role model, showing by example that recovery is possible.
Must have the ability to work a set schedule.
What are the training requirements to become a Certified Peer Specialist?
5 day training with evening sessions, homework and final exam.
What is the average cost for CPS training?
Free
Who is responsible for paying for training? (List all)
The State of Alabama
Other potential funding sources.
N/A
Is there a state-wide certification test?
Yes
What are the personal/professional requirements for certification, if they differ from attending the training?
Must have the ability to relay coping skills, positive attitude skills and self- esteem building strategies.
Must have the ability to assist in establishing support systems and interface with agencies, organizations, and groups.
Must have the ability to facilitate peer support/self-help groups.
Must have a basic knowledge of empowerment and the goals and objectives of the consumer movement.
Must have a basic knowledge of consumer rights and advocacy.
Must have the ability to connect with individuals in treatment for mental illness.
* Have the ability to understand the unique experience of mental illness.
Is a background check required? If so, is a criminal record a disqualification for certification?
Background check is not required for certification.
What is the cost of the certification test?
Free
Does the certification test need to be taken regularly to maintain certification?
No, unless certification lapses.
Aside from any fees for the training or state-wide certification test, are there other certification fees/costs?
N/A
Is there a statewide certification body?
Yes
Please provide as much information about the certification board/body as possible.
Alabama Office of Peer Programs
https://mh.alabama.gov/peer-programs/
1-800-832-0952 Toll Free
334-242-3456 Montgomery Area
334-242-3025 Fax"
Where can information be found for upcoming peer support trainings?
On average, how often are trainings held in your state?
Twice a year
Training providers (vendors) and their contact information.
Alabama Office of Peer Programs
1-800-832-0952 Toll Free
334-242-3456 Montgomery Area
What are the continuing education requirements?
Must attend quarterly continuing education sessions.
Who tracks CEUs?
Alabama Office of Peer Programs
Is there a certification requirement for CPS Supervisors? If yes, provide details of requirements and relevant information.
A certified peer specialist must be supervised by a Rehabilitative Services Professional. Rehabilitative Services Professionals are defined as the following:
• A psychologist licensed under Alabama law
• A professional counselor licensed under Alabama law
• A certified social worker licensed under Alabama law
• A marriage and family therapist licensed under Alabama law
• A registered nurse licensed under Alabama law who has completed a master’s degree in
psychiatric nursing
• A Masters Level Clinician is an individual possessing a master’s degree or above from a
university or college with an accredited program for the respective degree in
psychology, social work, counseling or other human service field areas who meets at
least one of the following qualifications:
- Has successfully completed a practicum as a part of the requirement for the
degree OR
- Has six months of post master’s level clinical experience AND
- Has supervision by a master’s level or above clinician with two years of
postgraduate clinical experience.
__________________________________________
Additional specializations available for certified peer specialists:
3 Certifications possible:
- Certified Mental Health Youth Peer Specialist
- Certified Mental Health Adult Peer Specialist
- Mental Health Parent Peer Support Specialist
What are the different acronyms used to distinguish peer supporters and specific peer support specialties?
• Certified Mental Health Youth Peer Specialist (CMHYPS)
• Certified Mental Health Adult Peer Specialist (CMHAPS)
• Mental Health Parent Peer Support Specialist (MHPPSS)
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?
Peer support is paid for by Medicaid.
Is digital peer support available? Medicaid reimbursable?
Yes, but not Medicaid-reimbursable.
Is there a statewide Peer Specialist organization?
Yes
Name of Statewide Peer Specialists Organization*
Wings Across Alabama
Peer Specialists Organization Website*
Peer Specialists Organization Primary Contact*
Christi Collins
Phone Number : 1-251-490-9070
Email: [email protected]
Other relevant/helpful contacts:*
Michael Autrey
Director
Alabama Office of Peer Programs
334-242-3456
[email protected]
Are there conferences held in the state specifically for Peer Supporters?
Annual Alabama Institute for Recovery Conference
This 3-day conference offers educational and inspirational tracks, while promoting opportunities for true peer camaraderie and empowerment.
There is also an Annual Substance Abuse Peer Conference, which is a state-wide educational conference for Certified Recovery Support Specialists.
Are there recognition or award opportunities for peer support specialists or Substance Use Peer Support Specialists?
Yes, the Hope Award, the Peer Warrior Award, and the Respect Award.
If there are recent changes to the certification process due to COVID-19, are the changes permanent, temporary or other?
No changes.
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