California

The certification standards are set by the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) as an optional benefit under the specialty behavioral health services. Information about the certification standards can be found at https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/Pages/Medi-Cal-Peer-Support-Services-Specialist…

The California Mental Health Services Authority (CalMHSA) is the certifying entity for Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialists in California. CalMHSA began processing applications for certification in May 2022.

California has one integrated certification. While there are areas of specialization, the areas of specialization do not lead to certification. Instead, the areas of specialization are intended to build on the knowledge base of the certified specialist.

Varies by training provider

Varies by training provider

Varies by training provider

Varies by training provider

The cost for training is set by each CalMHSA-approved training provider. CalMHSA does not have the authority to impose a schedule fee for training providers. Scholarships were available through funding by DHCS. Other programs like HCAI offer funding for training for CalMHSA-approved training providers.

The cost for training is set by each CalMHSA-approved training provider. CalMHSA does not have the authority to impose a schedule fee for training providers. Scholarships were available through funding by DHCS. Other programs like HCAI offer funding for training for CalMHSA-approved training providers.

The cost for training is set by each CalMHSA-approved training provider. CalMHSA does not have the authority to impose a schedule fee for training providers. Scholarships were available through funding by DHCS. Other programs like HCAI offer funding for training for CalMHSA-approved training providers.

Yes. CalMHSA developed a state-approved certification exam through a 3rd party vendor. CalMHSA is responsible for the administration and scoring of the certification exam. Funding in the form of scholarships was made available for application, exam, and training by the DHCS. The exam fee is currently $150.00 per attempt.

No.
To seek Certification as Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist, an individual must meet the following qualifications:
1. Be at least 18 years of age.
2. Possess a high school diploma or equivalent degree.
3. Be self-identified as having experience with the process of recovery from a mental illness or substance use disorder, either as a consumer of these services or as the parent, caregiver or family member of a consumer.
4. Be willing to share their experience.
5. Have a strong dedication to recovery.
6. Agree, in writing, to adhere to the Code of Ethics.
7. Successfully complete the 80-hour training requirements for a peer support specialist through a CalMHSA-approved training entity.
8. Pass the certification examination.

No to both questions.

Yes. CalMHSA developed a state-approved certification exam through a 3rd party vendor. CalMHSA is responsible for the administration and scoring of the certification exam. Funding in the form of scholarships was made available for application, exam, and training by the DHCS. The exam fee is currently $150.00 per attempt.

DHCS standards do not require a professional with a valid certification to retake the exam. If an certification has expires beyond, 4 years, the professional is required to meet certification renewal requirements and successfully pass the exam as part of reinstatement of certification. Renewal occurs every 2 years.

Perhaps any costs associated with continuing education training.

CalMHSA is the certifying body.CalMHSA is proud to be the certifying entity for the Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialists Certification in California. We are responsible for the certification, examination, and enforcement of professional standards for the certification. CalMHSA manages the California Certification Registry, Including investigating consumer complaints and imposes disciplinary actions against a Certificant who violates the Code of Ethics.
The California Mental Health Services Authority works with its Stakeholder Advisory Council and County Behavioral Health Plans to ensure the voice of Peers is reflective in its certification program.
The California Mental Services Authority follows state standards for the certification of Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialists in California in accordance with Chapter 7, Part 3, Article 1.4, Division 9 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.

CalMHSA is the certifying body.CalMHSA is proud to be the certifying entity for the Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialists Certification in California. We are responsible for the certification, examination, and enforcement of professional standards for the certification. CalMHSA manages the California Certification Registry, Including investigating consumer complaints and imposes disciplinary actions against a Certificant who violates the Code of Ethics.
The California Mental Health Services Authority works with its Stakeholder Advisory Council and County Behavioral Health Plans to ensure the voice of Peers is reflective in its certification program.
The California Mental Services Authority follows state standards for the certification of Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialists in California in accordance with Chapter 7, Part 3, Article 1.4, Division 9 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.

CalMHSA has established a website: capeercertification.org

CalMHSA has established a website: capeercertification.org

Training is provided through CalMHSA-approved training providers. A list of providers can be found on our website. Initially, CalMHSA used an RFP process to identify training providers and since then has opened an application cycle to add additional training providers. https://www.capeercertification.org/training-for-medi-cal-peer-support-…

20 hours of continuing education, inclusive of 6 hours of Law and Ethics training during the period leading to renewal. The certified peer specialist is responsible for tracking and keeping records of the CE training certificates.

20 hours of continuing education, inclusive of 6 hours of Law and Ethics training during the period leading to renewal. The certified peer specialist is responsible for tracking and keeping records of the CE training certificates.

California does not require certification of Peer Support Supervisors. They do require an individual who provides supervision to certified peer specialists to have completed training.

California has one integrated certification. While there are areas of specialization, the areas of specialization do not lead to certification. Instead, the areas of specialization are intended to build on the knowledge base of the certified specialist.

California has one integrated certification. While there are areas of specialization, the areas of specialization do not lead to certification. Instead, the areas of specialization are intended to build on the knowledge base of the certified specialist.

Yes. In California, services are reimbursable through the county behavioral health plans because peer support is a "benefit" under the Medi-Cal (Medicaid) behavioral health specialty programs.

Yes. In California, services are reimbursable through the county behavioral health plans because peer support is a "benefit" under the Medi-Cal (Medicaid) behavioral health specialty programs.

DHCS sets standards for reimbursement. Yes. This is permissible.

Yes, CAMHPRO. https://camhpro.org/

Yes, CAMHPRO. https://camhpro.org/

Yes, CAMHPRO. https://camhpro.org/

Yes, CAMHPRO. https://camhpro.org/

Unknown

CAMHPRO. https://camhpro.org/

DHCS set the 17-core competencies following extensive community and stakeholder input. This process included peer-run/led organizations.

2,530 (2024)

Training is provided through CalMHSA-approved training providers. A list of providers can be found on our website. Initially, CalMHSA used an RFP process to identify training providers and since then has opened an application cycle to add additional training providers. https://www.capeercertification.org/training-for-medi-cal-peer-support-…