Is there a state-endorsed certification process?

Yes, for Certfied Behavioral Health Peer Support Specialist (CBHPSS)

Does the state differentiate between Mental Health Peer Support Specialists and Substance Use Peer Support Specialists?

No, they are the same certification.

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

The education requirements can be found in ARM 24-219-907(2)(a) Proof of completion of a training course with examination as described in ARM 24.219.912.

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

The personal and professional requirements can be found in ARM 24.219.907 (c)&(d).
(c) attestation of having been diagnosed with and having received treatment for a behavioral health disorder as per 37-38-202, MCA;
(d) attestation to being in recovery per 37-38-202, MCA, and ARM 24.219.301;

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

The personal and professional requirements can be found in ARM 24.219.907 (c)&(d).
(c) attestation of having been diagnosed with and having received treatment for a behavioral health disorder as per 37-38-202, MCA;
(d) attestation to being in recovery per 37-38-202, MCA, and ARM 24.219.301;

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

A board approved 40-hour course with emphasis on ethics and a training exam.

What is the average cost for CPS training?

$750 (Montana Peer Newwork), Check other vendor websites for cost. Applicant (or potentially an employer) covers the cost of training.

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

$750 (Montana Peer Newwork), Check other vendor websites for cost. Applicant (or potentially an employer) covers the cost of training.

Other potential funding sources.

$750 (Montana Peer Newwork), Check other vendor websites for cost. Applicant (or potentially an employer) covers the cost of training.

Is there a state-wide certification test?

No, each training may have its own certification test. Tests are included in training. $125 application fee for the certification. Certification must be renewed yearly and expires on December 31 of each year. Annual renewal fee: $93

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

Attestation of having been diagnosed with and having received treatment for a behavioral health disorder as per 37-38-202, MCA;
Attestation to being in recovery per 37-38-202, MCA, and ARM 24.219.301

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

Yes, a background check is required. The application has space to "include a detailed explanation on the event(s) and documentation from the source (licensing board, federal agencies/programs, or civil/criminal court proceedings such as initiating/charging documents, final disposition/judgement documents, etc.)" so that "an applicant who has a history of criminal convictions has the opportunity to demonstrate to the board that the applicant is sufficiently rehabilitated to warrant the public trust. The board may deny the license if it determines that the applicant is not sufficiently rehabilitated."

What is the cost of the certification test?

No, each training may have its own certification test. Tests are included in training. $125 application fee for the certification. Certification must be renewed yearly and expires on December 31 of each year. Annual renewal fee: $93

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?

N/A

Is there a statewide certification body?

Yes, Montana Board of Behavioral Health. Approves vendors, provides, and renews BHPSS license. Contact Information: PO Box 200513 301 S Park, 4th Floor Helena, MT 59620-0512 Phone: 406-444-6880 E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.bbh.mt.gov

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

Yes, Montana Board of Behavioral Health. Approves vendors, provides, and renews BHPSS license. Contact Information: PO Box 200513 301 S Park, 4th Floor Helena, MT 59620-0512 Phone: 406-444-6880 E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.bbh.mt.gov

Where can information be found for upcoming peer support trainings?

No. Visit individual providers website. A list of approved training courses is found on the Montana Board of Behavioral Health’s website. Check with individual approved training providers.

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

No. Visit individual providers website. A list of approved training courses is found on the Montana Board of Behavioral Health’s website. Check with individual approved training providers.

Training providers (vendors) and their contact information.

Training is provided through vendors. This information is available online via the Montana Board of Behavioral Health and should be checked at their website (http://boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov/bbh) for the most up to date vendor list. Vendors may submit courses meeting requirements set forth in Rule: 24.219.912 posted on the Montana Board of Behavioral Health website to the board for consideration.

What are the continuing education requirements?

Complete 20 hours of continuing education and submit proof of completion. The individual, as proof of completion is required.

Who tracks CEUs?

Complete 20 hours of continuing education and submit proof of completion. The individual, as proof of completion is required.

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

CPS supervisors are required to meet criteria as laid out in ARM 24.219.421 of the state of Montana. CBHPSS supervisors must:
(a) have an active license in good standing in the jurisdiction in which the supervision is occurring as an LCSW, LCPC, LMFT, LAC, physician, psychologist, or an advanced practice registered nurse with a clinical specialty in psychiatric mental health nursing; and
(b) meet one of the below criteria:
(i) have been licensed in their respective discipline for at least three years, excluding any period of licensure as a candidate; or
(ii) have taken board-approved training consisting of a minimum of one semester credit graduate education focused on supervision or 20 hours of board-approved training in supervision.

Additional specializations available for certified peer specialists:

No, they are the same certification.

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

No, they are the same certification.

Are Certified Peer Specialists services Medicaid reimbursable?

Yes, as of 2019. Partially paid for through medical cannabis laws.

How are peer support services paid for by the state? What specific Medicaid waivers are used, if any?

Yes, as of 2019. Partially paid for through medical cannabis laws.

Is digital peer support available? Medicaid reimbursable?

Laws pertaining to billing, including private insurance and Medicare and Medicaid, are outside this board's jurisdiction and regulatory authority.

Is there a statewide Peer Specialist organization?

Yes, Montana’s Peer Network. https://mtpeernetwork.org/ Contact information: Jim Hajny Executive Director [email protected] Mailing Address PO Box 39 Ennis, MT 59729 Physical Address 2 Hot Springs Loop Ennis, MT 5972

Name of Statewide Peer Specialists Organization*

Yes, Montana’s Peer Network. https://mtpeernetwork.org/ Contact information: Jim Hajny Executive Director [email protected] Mailing Address PO Box 39 Ennis, MT 59729 Physical Address 2 Hot Springs Loop Ennis, MT 5972

Peer Specialists Organization Website*

Yes, Montana’s Peer Network. https://mtpeernetwork.org/ Contact information: Jim Hajny Executive Director [email protected] Mailing Address PO Box 39 Ennis, MT 59729 Physical Address 2 Hot Springs Loop Ennis, MT 5972

Peer Specialists Organization Primary Contact*

Yes, Montana’s Peer Network. https://mtpeernetwork.org/ Contact information: Jim Hajny Executive Director [email protected] Mailing Address PO Box 39 Ennis, MT 59729 Physical Address 2 Hot Springs Loop Ennis, MT 5972

Other relevant/helpful contacts:*

N/A

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?

No

Helpful Websites/ References*

N/A

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, for Certified Behavioral Health Peer Support Specialist (CBHPSS). No, COVID-19 did not change the application process.

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

The training course requirements are outlined in ARM 27.219.912. The actual training course is contacted out to private contractor.

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

Yes, a background check is required. The application has space to "include a detailed explanation on the event(s) and documentation from the source (licensing board, federal agencies/programs, or civil/criminal court proceedings such as initiating/charging documents, final disposition/judgement documents, etc.)" so that "an applicant who has a history of criminal convictions has the opportunity to demonstrate to the board that the applicant is sufficiently rehabilitated to warrant the public trust. The board may deny the license if it determines that the applicant is not sufficiently rehabilitated." & Applications that qualify as complete and "routine" can be issued by staff. Applications that are "nonroutine" must be evaluated by the board at a board meeting. The board's rules defining what qualifies as nonroutine are ARM 24.219.411 and 24.219.412.

Are certification trainings offered in-person, online, or hybrid?

No. Visit individual providers website. A list of approved training courses is found on the Montana Board of Behavioral Health’s website. Check with individual approved training providers.

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

238 (2024)

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

Training is provided through vendors. This information is available online via the Montana Board of Behavioral Health and should be checked at their website (http://boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov/bbh) for the most up to date vendor list. Vendors may submit courses meeting requirements set forth in Rule: 24.219.912 posted on the Montana Board of Behavioral Health website to the board for consideration.

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