Louisiana
Louisiana
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, a behavioral health diagnosis can include a diagnosis with mental health challenges, addiction challenges, or co-occurring disorders.
Louisiana Association of Substance Abuse Counselors and Trainers (LASACT) use the IC&RC education requirements for the Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist.
What are the educational requirements to apply for a peer specialist training program?
Minimum of a high school diploma or a GED
What are the personal requirements to apply for a peer specialist training program?
Must be at least 18 years of age
Must have lived experience with a behavioral health diagnosis. A behavioral health diagnosis can include a diagnosis with mental health challenges, addiction challenges, or co-occurring disorders.
Must have a least 12 months of continuous demonstrated recovery as indicated by SAMHSA's working definition of recovery
What are the professional requirements needed to apply for a peer specialist training program?
Application process for training is competitive as training capacity is limited to 20 participants. It is important to fill out the application completely and legibly as they will not consider applications that are illegible or incomplete.
What are the training requirements to become a Certified Peer Specialist?
Training was developed by Recovery Opportunity Center of Arizona - 2 week, 76-hour training with 8 hours of class work and several hours of homework daily. Written midterm and written and practical final exam.
What is the average cost for CPS training?
$500 registration fee supplements the overall training cost for the instructors, training materials, lunch on training days, and OBH approved travel cost.
Who is responsible for paying for training? (List all)
Individuals or employers of individuals who work for an LGE (Local Governing Entity) or state operated hospital.
Other potential funding sources.
A limited number of scholarships are available and must be applied for by the employer.
For more information about scholarships (or training) contact George Mills 337-237-2090 [email protected]
Is there a state-wide certification test?
No state-wide test. Completion of training (including midterm and final exam) leads to receiving credential by the state of Louisiana.
What are the personal/professional requirements for certification, if they differ from attending the training?
Is a background check required? If so, is a criminal record a disqualification for certification?
What is the cost of the certification test?
No cost for test - test included in training fee
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?
Travel and meals outside of training (which can be covered by employer)
Is there a statewide certification body?
Yes, Louisiana Department of Health (Office of Behavioral Health)
Please provide as much information about the certification board/body as possible.
Mailing Address: Louisiana Department of Health | P.O. Box 629 | Baton Rouge, LA 70821-0629
Physical Address: 628 N. 4th Street | Baton Rouge, LA 70802 | PHONE: 225-342-9500
Where can information be found for upcoming peer support trainings?
On average, how often are trainings held in your state?
Quarterly basis and are rotated to various locations around the state.
Training providers (vendors) and their contact information.
What are the continuing education requirements?
A minimum of ten (10) Continuing Education Units (CEU) per calendar year. Three (3) of these CEUs must be in the area of Ethics. The other seven (7) will be in the competencies related to tenets of peer support. Courses which are mandatory job trainings, such as blood borne pathogens, sexual harassment, or prohibited political activity, are not considered to be recovery oriented and will not be accepted towards the minimum continuing education requirement.
Who tracks CEUs?
Individuals are responsible for tracking. CEUs must be reported to the appropriate OBH identified staff on or before December 31st each calendar year. PSS are not required to report CEUs until the year following their initial training. CEUs are to be repo
Is there a certification requirement for CPS Supervisors? If yes, provide details of requirements and relevant information.
Additional specializations available for certified peer specialists:
What are the different acronyms used to distinguish peer supporters and specific peer support specialties?
PSS - Peer Support Specialist
Are Certified Peer Specialists services Medicaid reimbursable?
Yes, however Medicaid only covers specific rehabilitation services outlined within the Behavioral Health Manual in which PSS are identified as a qualified provider type as long as they meet staff qualifications to provide that service as identified within the Behavioral Health Services Provider Manual.
These services include: Community Psychiatric Support and Treatment, Psychosocial Rehabilitation, Crisis Intervention, Assertive Community Treatment, Addiction Services
How are peer support services paid for by the state? What specific Medicaid waivers are used, if any?
Is digital peer support available? Medicaid reimbursable?
Is there a statewide Peer Specialist organization?
Yes
Name of Statewide Peer Specialists Organization*
Louisiana Association of Peer Support
Peer Specialists Organization Website*
Peer Specialists Organization Primary Contact*
(337) 255-4955
[email protected]
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?
Additional Info*
George Mills 337-237-2090 [email protected]
If there are recent changes to the certification process due to COVID-19, are the changes permanent, temporary or other?
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