Ohio's Peer Support Certification has expanded and now Ohio has 3 Peer Support Certifications.
1. Certified Peer Support Recovery Supporter (training is now permanent virtual and in-person)
2. Certified Youth Peer Supporter
3. Certified Family Peer Supporter
There are no different certifications for Mental Health or Substance. Our peer training model is integrated, meaning both mental health and substance use is covered in our trainings.
Certified Youth Peer Supporter = CYPS Certified Family Peer Supporter = CFPS
All certified peer supporters must have a HS Diploma or GED; this may not be required to apply for training; but is required for certification
A) Certified peer recovery supporter.
(1) A "certified peer recovery supporter" (CPRS) is an individual, with a direct lived experience, who has self-identified as being in recovery from a mental health or substance use disorder and has been certified pursuant to this rule.
(2) For CPRS certification the individual will be at least eighteen years of age at the time of certification.
(B) Certified youth peer supporter.
(1) A certified youth peer supporter (CYPS) is an individual who self-identifies as having lived experience with the behavioral health care system and other child or youth serving systems and has been certified by the state pursuant to this rule.
(2) For CYPS the individual will be at least eighteen years of age but no older than thirty years of age at the time of certification.
(C) Certified family peer supporter.
(1) A certified family peer supporter (CFPS) is an individual who has self-identified as the caregiver of a person with behavioral health challenges who has successfully navigated service systems for at least one year on behalf of the person and has been certified pursuant to this rule.
(2) For CFPS certification the individual will be at least twenty-one years of age at the time of certification.
A) Certified peer recovery supporter.
(1) A "certified peer recovery supporter" (CPRS) is an individual, with a direct lived experience, who has self-identified as being in recovery from a mental health or substance use disorder and has been certified pursuant to this rule.
(2) For CPRS certification the individual will be at least eighteen years of age at the time of certification.
(B) Certified youth peer supporter.
(1) A certified youth peer supporter (CYPS) is an individual who self-identifies as having lived experience with the behavioral health care system and other child or youth serving systems and has been certified by the state pursuant to this rule.
(2) For CYPS the individual will be at least eighteen years of age but no older than thirty years of age at the time of certification.
(C) Certified family peer supporter.
(1) A certified family peer supporter (CFPS) is an individual who has self-identified as the caregiver of a person with behavioral health challenges who has successfully navigated service systems for at least one year on behalf of the person and has been certified pursuant to this rule.
(2) For CFPS certification the individual will be at least twenty-one years of age at the time of certification.
(F) Certification
(1) To obtain peer supporter certification individuals will submit a complete and compliant application including the following documentation:
(a) Proof of a minimum of forty hours of department approved competency-based peer services training or three equivalent years formal, verifiable experience providing behavioral health peers services pursuant to rule 5122-29-15 of the Administrative Code.
(b) Hold a high school diploma, a general educational development certification, or similar secondary education from outside of the United States;
(c) Documentation of passing the department peer supporter exam, or an exam administered or designated by the department;
(d) Certified peer supporters will attest to having read and understood the code of ethics at initial certification and every certification renewal thereafter;
(e) The results of a bureau of criminal investigation and federal bureau of investigation criminal records check conducted within one year of submission.
OhioMHAS training is free to participants. For individuals in rural areas who need to travel for training there is potential for additional accommodation and mileage reimbursement through a Community Family Partnership Team scholarship.
OhioMHAS training is free to participants. For individuals in rural areas who need to travel for training there is potential for additional accommodation and mileage reimbursement through a Community Family Partnership Team scholarship.
OhioMHAS training is free to participants. For individuals in rural areas who need to travel for training there is potential for additional accommodation and mileage reimbursement through a Community Family Partnership Team scholarship.
Yes
CPS must adhere to Conflict-of-Interest process and OhioMHAS code of ethics. Also required to abide by Ohio Mandated Reporting and Duty to Warn Requirements.
Candidates can apply for certification by
taking OhioMHAS Training, or complete an OhioMHAS approved training, or have 3 years of lived experience in providing Peer Support. All are required to take the state certification exam.
(N) Code of ethics below:
(1) The code of ethical practice and professional conduct constitutes the standards by which the professional conduct of peer supporters will be measured.
(2) A violation of the code of ethics unprofessional conduct and is sufficient reason for revocation, or for the denial of the initial certification or renewal.
(3) Certified peer supporters will attest to having read and understood the code of ethics at initial certification and every certification renewal thereafter.
Certification yes:
(L) Background check
(1) All applicants for an initial certification will submit a request to the bureau of criminal identification and the federal bureau of investigation for a criminal records check of the applicant per sections 4776.02 and 4776.03 of the Revised Code and will include a federal bureau of identification criminal records check request. This applies to all initial applications. The applications for criminal records check will comply with section 109.572 of the Revised Code.
(2) Section 4776.02 of the Revised Code states that all fingerprint reports be sent directly to the department from the bureau of criminal identification and investigation. Any fingerprint results mailed to or from some other source will not be accepted.
(M) Pardons and certificates.
A conviction of, or a plea of guilty to, a disqualifying offense as set forth in paragraph (K) of this rule will not prevent an applicant from certification if any of the following circumstances apply:
(1) The applicant has been granted an unconditional pardon for the offense pursuant to Chapter 2967. of the Revised Code;
(2) The applicant has been granted an unconditional pardon for the offense pursuant to an existing or former law of the state of Ohio, any other state, or the United States, if the law is substantially equivalent to Chapter 2967. of the Revised Code;
Free
No, they do not need to retest.
Yes, the certification application process has been elevated to the eLicensing platform with has a cost of $3.50 associated with it.
Yes, the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS). 30 East Broad Street, 36th Floor Columbus, Ohio 43215-3430
Yes, the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS). 30 East Broad Street, 36th Floor Columbus, Ohio 43215-3430
All three certifications programs can be found: https://mha.ohio.gov/community-partners/peer-supporters
PRS Training Calendar on the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction services "Ohio Peer Recovery Supporter Training and Professional Development" website.
https://mha.ohio.gov/Health-Professionals/About-Mental-Health-and-Addic… Trainings held at least monthly or sometimes more frequently.
Trainings are held virtually and in person
All three certifications programs can be found: https://mha.ohio.gov/community-partners/peer-supporters
PRS Training Calendar on the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction services "Ohio Peer Recovery Supporter Training and Professional Development" website.
https://mha.ohio.gov/Health-Professionals/About-Mental-Health-and-Addic… Trainings held at least monthly or sometimes more frequently.
Trainings are held virtually and in person
Other OhioMHAS approved training through: Appalachian Consulting,
Clark State Community College Peer Recovery Fundamentals Course; Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery (CCAR); Depression Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) 40-hour training;
Mental Health America of Northern Kentucky & Southwest
Ohio Peer Support Specialist Training; Michigan Department of Community Health Peer Support
Specialist Training; NAMI Ohio Parent Peer Support; North Carolina Peer Support Specialists training; Pennsylvania Office of
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Certified Peer Specialist trainings; RI International Peer/Recovery Support Specialist/Peer Employment Training; Shawnee State University-Behavior Health Foundation Peer Recovery Supporter
(3) Certifications issued by the department expire two years from the date the certification issued or renewed.
(G) Renewal of certification
(1) Peer supporter certification renewal will include submission of a complete and compliant application, including the following:
(a) Documentation of thirty hours of continuing education credits, which will include the following competencies and minimum hours;
(i) Ethics (may include HIPAA, confidentiality) - three hours;
(ii) Boundaries - three hours;
(iii) Diversity and inclusion/cultural sensitivity - two hours;
(iv) System navigation and care coordination - one hour;
(3) Certifications issued by the department expire two years from the date the certification issued or renewed.
(G) Renewal of certification
(1) Peer supporter certification renewal will include submission of a complete and compliant application, including the following:
(a) Documentation of thirty hours of continuing education credits, which will include the following competencies and minimum hours;
(i) Ethics (may include HIPAA, confidentiality) - three hours;
(ii) Boundaries - three hours;
(iii) Diversity and inclusion/cultural sensitivity - two hours;
(iv) System navigation and care coordination - one hour;
Update: Supervision; https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-administrative-code/rule-5122-29-15.1 (4.7.22)
Certified peer supporters will be supervised by an individual who either:Has experience delivering peer services in behavioral health over a cumulative period of two years, has completed the sixteen hours of online learning administered or designated by the department, and has completed the four-hour supervising peers training administered or designated by the department; or,
Is a clinician with one of the following licenses, and has completed the sixteen hours of online learning administered or designated by the department and has completed the four-hour supervising peers training administered or designated by the department: Licensed social worker;
Licensed independent social worker;
Licensed professional counselor;
Licensed chemical dependency counselor II; Licensed chemical dependency counselor III; Licensed professional clinical counselor;
Licensed independent chemical dependency counselor; Licensed marriage and family therapist;
There are no different certifications for Mental Health or Substance. Our peer training model is integrated, meaning both mental health and substance use is covered in our trainings.
Certified Youth Peer Supporter = CYPS Certified Family Peer Supporter = CFPS
There are no different certifications for Mental Health or Substance. Our peer training model is integrated, meaning both mental health and substance use is covered in our trainings.
Certified Youth Peer Supporter = CYPS Certified Family Peer Supporter = CFPS
Yes, Ohio now has Peer Support on both the Addiction and Mental Health as a billable service. https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-administrative-code/rule-5160-27-02
Section L highlights that through Medicaid, Peers can provide services through 6 avenues: Through the specialized recovery services program in accordance with rule 5160-43-04 of the Administrative Code; or As a component of assertive community treatment as defined in rule 5160-27-04 of the Administrative Code: or As a component of substance use disorder residential treatment as defined in rule 5160-27-09 of the Administrative Code; or As a substance use disorder outpatient treatment service in accordance with rule 5160-27-09 of the Administrative Code; or As a component of intensive home-based treatment service as defined in rule 5122-29-28 of the Administrative Code; or As a component of mobile response and stabilization service in accordance with rule 5122-29-14 of the Administrative Code.
Yes, Ohio now has Peer Support on both the Addiction and Mental Health as a billable service. https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-administrative-code/rule-5160-27-02
Section L highlights that through Medicaid, Peers can provide services through 6 avenues: Through the specialized recovery services program in accordance with rule 5160-43-04 of the Administrative Code; or As a component of assertive community treatment as defined in rule 5160-27-04 of the Administrative Code: or As a component of substance use disorder residential treatment as defined in rule 5160-27-09 of the Administrative Code; or As a substance use disorder outpatient treatment service in accordance with rule 5160-27-09 of the Administrative Code; or As a component of intensive home-based treatment service as defined in rule 5122-29-28 of the Administrative Code; or As a component of mobile response and stabilization service in accordance with rule 5122-29-14 of the Administrative Code.
Telehealth is currently available and Medicaid reimbursable. (with limits)
Ohio Peer Run Organization (OhioPRO) https://ohio-pro.com/
Ohio Citizens Advocates Addiction Recovery (OCAAR) https://www.ocaar.org/
Ohio Peer Run Organization (OhioPRO) https://ohio-pro.com/
Ohio Citizens Advocates Addiction Recovery (OCAAR) https://www.ocaar.org/
Ohio Peer Run Organization (OhioPRO) https://ohio-pro.com/
Ohio Citizens Advocates Addiction Recovery (OCAAR) https://www.ocaar.org/
Ohio Peer Run Organization (OhioPRO) https://ohio-pro.com/
Ohio Citizens Advocates Addiction Recovery (OCAAR) https://www.ocaar.org/
FAQ's:
Who at OhioMHAS should I send questions to regarding the 40 hour in-person peer training? [email protected]
Who at OhioMHAS should I send questions to regarding becoming certified as an individual? [email protected]
Who at OhioMHAS should I send questions to about becoming a certified community provider for peer recovery support services? [email protected]
Yes. OhioPRO in collaboration with OhioMHAS delivers the annual Ohio Peer Support Conference. ohio-pro.com
Not at the state level, however there are many peer support recognitions throughout the community.
Re-certification information: https://mha.ohio.gov/community-partners/peer-supporters/become-a-certifi...
Ohio's Peer Support Certification has expanded and now Ohio has 3 Peer Support Certifications.
1. Certified Peer Support Recovery Supporter (training is now permanent virtual and in-person)
2. Certified Youth Peer Supporter
3. Certified Family Peer Supporter
Peers and stakeholders developed the peer recovery support training and certification process with the support of the state authority. Peer voices helped lead and develop the process.
Certification yes:
(L) Background check
(1) All applicants for an initial certification will submit a request to the bureau of criminal identification and the federal bureau of investigation for a criminal records check of the applicant per sections 4776.02 and 4776.03 of the Revised Code and will include a federal bureau of identification criminal records check request. This applies to all initial applications. The applications for criminal records check will comply with section 109.572 of the Revised Code.
(2) Section 4776.02 of the Revised Code states that all fingerprint reports be sent directly to the department from the bureau of criminal identification and investigation. Any fingerprint results mailed to or from some other source will not be accepted.
(M) Pardons and certificates.
A conviction of, or a plea of guilty to, a disqualifying offense as set forth in paragraph (K) of this rule will not prevent an applicant from certification if any of the following circumstances apply:
(1) The applicant has been granted an unconditional pardon for the offense pursuant to Chapter 2967. of the Revised Code;
(2) The applicant has been granted an unconditional pardon for the offense pursuant to an existing or former law of the state of Ohio, any other state, or the United States, if the law is substantially equivalent to Chapter 2967. of the Revised Code; & A criminal record with disqualifying offenses may prohibit a person from being certified per Ohio Administrative Code 5122-29-15.1.
All three certifications programs can be found: https://mha.ohio.gov/community-partners/peer-supporters
PRS Training Calendar on the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction services ""Ohio Peer Recovery Supporter Training and Professional Development"" website.
https://mha.ohio.gov/Health-Professionals/About-Mental-Health-and-Addic… Trainings held at least monthly or sometimes more frequently.
Trainings are held virtually and in person
2,927 (2024)
Other OhioMHAS approved training through: Appalachian Consulting,
Clark State Community College Peer Recovery Fundamentals Course; Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery (CCAR); Depression Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) 40-hour training;
Mental Health America of Northern Kentucky & Southwest
Ohio Peer Support Specialist Training; Michigan Department of Community Health Peer Support
Specialist Training; NAMI Ohio Parent Peer Support; North Carolina Peer Support Specialists training; Pennsylvania Office of
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Certified Peer Specialist trainings; RI International Peer/Recovery Support Specialist/Peer Employment Training; Shawnee State University-Behavior Health Foundation Peer Recovery Supporter
The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services has begun exploring the transition of Ohio’s peer certification management process from OhioMHAS to an appropriate professional licensing board as part of our strategic work to elevate the role of this vital profession in the behavioral health workforce. The Ohio Chemical Dependency Professional Board has agreed to be a partner in this exploration process because of their established infrastructure and experience managing and administering multiple licenses and endorsements.
Why we are exploring this change:
The licensing of workforce professionals does not fall within the role of OhioMHAS’ statutory responsibilities. Although peer certification has fallen under OhioMHAS’ purview since 2016, the credentialing process would be more appropriately managed by a professional licensing board that is equipped to provide the necessary professional applications, renewals, trainings, protections, benefits, and continued ethical oversight.
What this exploration process will look like:
• During this exploratory phase, OhioMHAS will engage a consultant to help us identify the opportunities, challenges, and needed requirements to facilitate such a change. We will be issuing an RFP in the next week to identify this outside counsel.
• We anticipate that this planning process will take place over the next 12-18 months, and it will include regular engagement and feedback sessions with you and other stakeholders, the Governor’s office, the Ohio Department of Medicaid, and other state agencies as needed, current certified peers, and the General Assembly.
• It will include a review of any needed legislative and rule changes, as well as fiscal impacts.
• No changes will be made to the management of the peer certification process until Fiscal Year 2026 (July 2025).
We are committed to a thoughtful, deliberative, and transparent approach so that any transition decisions protect the integrity of the peer profession and serve to strengthen the vital role peer supporters play in Ohio’s behavioral health workforce. (2024)
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