Alabama
Yes, the state has a state-endorsed certification process for Peer Support Specialists.
Yes, Certified Peer Specialist for mental health and Certified Recovery Support Specialists for substance use.
High School Diploma or GED
You must be in recovery from a diagnosed mental illness. You must be open-minded and willing to share your recovery story publicly. You must have a clear understanding of recovery from mental illness. You must have a basic understanding of mental illness and the mental health system. You must have a basic knowledge of empowerment and the goals and objectives of the consumer movement. You must have the ability to understand the unique experience of mental illness. You must have the ability to serve as a role model, showing by example that recovery is possible. You must have the ability to relay coping skills, positive attitude skills, and self-esteem building strategies.
You must have effective communication skills, both written and oral. You must have the ability to work with individuals or groups. You must have the ability to serve as a role
model, showing by example that recovery is possible. You must have the ability to work a set schedule. You must have a basic knowledge of consumer rights and advocacy. You must have the ability to work a set schedule. You must have the ability to connect with individuals in treatment for mental illness. You must have the ability to assist in establishing support systems and interface with agencies, organizations, and groups. You must have the ability to facilitate peer support/self-help groups."
Five day training program that includes instruction, discussion and role play with an examination after the training.
Free, provided by the state.
Free, provided by the state.
Free, provided by the state.
Yes
Personal requirements: Same as training. Professional requirements: Same as training.
Background check is not required for certification.
Free
No, unless certification lapses for failing to complete CEU requirements.
None found
Yes
Office of Peer Programs Alabama Department of Mental Health 100 N. Union Street P.O. Box 301410 Montgomery, AL 36130-1410 Office of Peer Programs (334) 242-3456 1-800-832-0952 (334) 242-0796 fax [email protected]
Information can be found here: https://mh.alabama.gov/division-of-mental-health-substance-abuseservice… peer-programs/
Frequency of training unknown. Type of available training unknown
Training Provider: Alabama Office of Peer Programs 1-800-832-0952 Toll Free 334-242-3456 Montgomery Area.
Quarterly Continuing Education Training attendance is required to maintain certification.
CEUs are tracked by Alabama Office of Peer Programs.
A supervisor position is not a CPS position, but CPS are required to 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.
3 additonal certifications possible: Certified Mental Health Youth Peer Specialist (CMHYPS), Certified Mental Health Adult Peer Specialist (CMHAPS) and Mental Health Parent Peer Support Specialist (MHPPS)
3 additonal certifications possible: Certified Mental Health Youth Peer Specialist (CMHYPS), Certified Mental Health Adult Peer Specialist (CMHAPS) and Mental Health Parent Peer Support Specialist (MHPPS)
Yes. Peer support is paid for by Medicaid using rehabilitation services codes (Section 105 of Alabama Provider Billing Manuals).
Unsure of waiver used.
Yes, and reimbursable via Medicaid telemedicine services guidelines (Section 112 of Alabama Provider Billing Manual)
Yes
Wings Across Alabama
Charisse Rupert
Acting Executive Director
Nicholas Snead, Director Vacant, Certified Peer Specialist II Coordinator Vacant, Certified Peer Specialist II-Youth Deborah Pennington, Certified Peer Specialist 1-800-832-0952 Toll-Free 334-242-3456 Montgomery Area 334-242-3025 Fax
Annual Alabama Institute for Recovery SA Consumer Conference
SA Peer Conference
Yes, the Hope Award, the Peer Warrior Award, and the Respect Award.
None
Due to COVID-19, Telemedicine was expanded for peer services and Wings Across Alabama hosted weekly online support groups.
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