Minnesota

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 they are different. There are family peers as well.

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

None

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

Must have had a primary diagnosis of mental illness. Be a current or former consumer of mental health services.

What are the professional requirements needed to apply for a peer specialist training program?

Must have had a primary diagnosis of mental illness. Be a current or former consumer of mental health services.

What are the training requirements to become a Certified Peer Specialist?

No change for mental health peers- you must have a lived experience of a mental illness Recovery peers training varies mostly 46 hours you must have a personal lived experience and be sober a year.

What is the average cost for CPS training?

MH paid for be the state -Recovery - varies see MN Certification Board (MCB) for vendors.

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

MH paid for be the state -Recovery - varies see MN Certification Board (MCB) for vendors.

Other potential funding sources.

MH paid for be the state -Recovery - varies see MN Certification Board (MCB) for vendors.

Is there a state-wide certification test?

For mental health peers the test is part of the training. For recovery peers there is a test and fees. The cost is $250 and some providers pay the fee.

What are the personal/professional requirements for certification, if they differ from attending the training?

No the training and the test is what is required for certification.

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

Required for employment in licensed facilities . Not required for training or certification.

What is the cost of the certification test?

For mental health peers the test is part of the training. For recovery peers there is a test and fees. The cost is $250 and some providers pay the fee.

Does the certification test need to be taken regularly to maintain certification?

No

Aside from any fees for the training or state-wide certification test, are there other certification fees/costs?

No, just CEUs

Is there a statewide certification body?

For recovery peers it is the MN Certification Board. They test, approve vendors and training. For mental healht peers it the state of MN

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

For recovery peers it is the MN Certification Board. They test, approve vendors and training. For mental health peers it the state of MN

Where can information be found for upcoming peer support trainings?

Several websites, including the DHS information pages. MH trainings virtual - recovery in person and online.

On average, how often are trainings held in your state?

Several websites, including the DHS information pages. MH trainings virtual - recovery in person and online.

Training providers (vendors) and their contact information.

Answered above
Yes, currently all the training for mental health peers is provided virtually by the RI of AZ. The process of applying is through their link, and they collect the information.

What are the continuing education requirements?

For recovery peers MCB tracks

Who tracks CEUs?

For recovery peers MCB tracks

Is there a certification requirement for CPS Supervisors? If yes, provide details of requirements and relevant information.

There is no certification for supervisor- they must be mental health professionals, for recovery peers licensed professionals.

Additional specializations available for certified peer specialists:

Yes, they are different. There are family peers as well.

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

Yes, they are different. There are family peers as well.

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?

Medicaid rehabilitation services option

Is digital peer support available? Medicaid reimbursable?

Yes

Is there a statewide Peer Specialist organization?

N/A

Name of Statewide Peer Specialists Organization*

N/A

Peer Specialists Organization Website*

N/A

Other relevant/helpful contacts:*

N/A

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

Wellness in the Woods holds a peer conference every year.

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

No

Helpful Websites/ References*

https://mn.gov/dhs/people-we-serve/adults/health-care/mental-health/prog...
https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/2015/cite/256B.0615?keyword_type=all...
https://www.dhs.state.mn.us/main/idcplg?IdcService=GET_DYNAMIC_CONVERSIO...
https://mn.gov/dhs/partners-and-providers/policies-procedures/adult-ment...

Additional Info*

N/A

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

Yes, currently, all the training for mental health peers is provided virtually by the RI of AZ. The process of applying is through their lin,k and they collect the information.

Is the Certification curriculum peer-led and/or peer developed?

For mental health the training was developed by peers by Recovery Innovations now RI. For recovery peers - it varies since there are many providers . All of their curriculums are approved by the MN Certification Board but it is not a requirement that they are developed by peers.
They are all led by peers.

Are there any potential Barriers to certification and post certification employment?

Required for employment in licensed facilities. Not required for training or certification. & Criminal record is a disqualifier, lack of employment opportunities is also true for mental health peers.

Is there a recent count of the # of Peer Specialists in this state? What is the count, and the day this count was captured?

3,004 (2024)

How does the state/certification body approve Peer support training vendors?

Answered above
Yes, currently all the training for mental health peers is provided virtually by RI of AZ. The process of applying is through their link and the collect the information.

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