Contents
- Requirements
- Summary [STAYED]
- Certified Peer Specialist
- Certified Peer Support Specialist supplanting clinical
- Certified Peer Support Specialist - Benefits
- Reasons not to add a CPSS to my treatment team
- Reasons not to become a Certified Peer Support Specialist
- Blogging as Work and Contribution
- Descriptions - Content
- Peer Groups
- Self-disclosure
- Who Were You?
- Reflection
- Nature V Nurture
- Environment V Heredity
- Learning Style
- Teaching Style
- Basic Temperament Style
- Multiple Intelligence (7 Intelligences)
- Nature V Nurture
- Anything Else
- Why I never became a certified peer support specialist?
- Would I add a Peer Support Specialist to my treatment team?
- How is certified peer support specialist billed?
- How much does a peer support specialist make in California?
- Health & Human Services Unstable Field
- Aside - Pacific Clinics Consumer Training Program
- What does a peer support specialist do?
- Benefits of Peer Support Specialist Certification
- Fit for the job screening (WAI)
- CPSS – What and Where
- Mental Health Workers Paraprofessional (160 Hours in Class)
Summary [STAYED]
Certified Peer Specialist
A Certified Peer Specialist (CPS)
is a trained professional who uses their personal, lived experience with mental
health conditions or substance use recovery to support others facing similar
challenges. They work within healthcare and community teams to provide
mentoring, share coping skills, and inspire hope.
Core Roles and
Responsibilities
Empowerment:
Guide
individuals in setting their own recovery and wellness goals.
Connection:
Bridge the gap
between clients and traditional clinical teams or community resources.
Advocacy: Protect client rights and promote self-determination within the
mental health system.
Role Modeling:
Openly share
personal recovery journeys to demonstrate that long-term wellness is
attainable.
General Certification
Requirements
While rules vary by state,
standard criteria typically include:
Being at least
18 years old
Holding a high
school diploma or GED
Possessing
documented personal or family lived experience with recovery
Completing a
state-approved training program (often around 80 hours)
Passing a
certification examination and agreeing to a code of ethics
In California,
certification is administered through programs like the California
Mental Health Services Authority to align with Medi-Cal standards.
FYI – AI - If you want to
proceed, let me know: Are you looking to become a Certified Peer Specialist? Do you need information on local
training programs or job opportunities in
California?
Certified Peer Support Specialist supplanting clinical
Certified Peer Support
Specialists do not supplant clinical care; instead, they work alongside
licensed professionals to complement and strengthen behavioral health
treatment.
Roles and Boundaries
Lived Experience:
Specialists
use their personal recovery journeys
to mentor, coach, and offer non-clinical encouragement.
No Clinical Tasks:
They are
legally and ethically barred from diagnosing conditions, prescribing
medication, or providing formal psychotherapy.
Connection and
Navigation:
They help
clients build daily routines, find community resources, and bridge the gap
between patients and medical teams.
Relationship with Clinical Teams
Supervision:
Programs like
the Medi-Cal Peer Support Services require
peer specialists to operate under the direction of licensed clinical staff,
such as psychologists, therapists, or physicians.
Augmentation, Not
Replacement:
High demand
for mental health care means peers help handle community engagement and
motivation, but they rely completely on clinical partners for medical and
psychological interventions.
Out of Scope
Prescribing Medication
Formal Psychotherapy
Certified Peer Support Specialist - Benefits
Becoming a Certified Peer Support
Specialist (CPSS) in California lets you use your personal journey with mental
health or substance use recovery to help others. Certification qualifies you
for paid roles in the state's official care system because your services are eligible for Medi-Cal reimbursement.
Professional Benefits
Get Paid for Your
Experience:
Turn your
personal recovery journey or family caregiver experience into a recognized
career.
Medi-Cal Job Growth:
California
allows counties to bill Medi-Cal for peer services, which creates many new jobs
in clinics, hospitals, and support centers.
Be Part of a Care Team:
Work alongside
doctors and social workers as a trusted team member.
Personal and Community Impact
Help Others Heal:
Build trust
easily with people because you share similar life challenges.
Prevent Relapse:
Guide clients
toward long-term recovery and stable daily living.
Teach Self-Advocacy:
Help people
speak up for their own needs and find community resources.
FYI – AI - If you want to move forward, tell me: Do you have lived recovery experience or experience as a family caregiver? Are you looking for information on the 80-hour training or the exam process via the California Peer Certification program? Why become a Certified Peer Support Specialist in California?
Reasons not to add a CPSS to my treatment team
Adding a Certified Peer Support
Specialist (CPSS) to a treatment team is generally
beneficial for recovery, but potential downsides include role confusion
with clinical staff, boundary challenges due to shared community spaces, risks
of triggering the specialist's own mental health triggers, and the inability to
perform medical or psychological interventions.
Scope and Boundary Limitations
No clinical training:
CPSSs cannot diagnose conditions,
provide formal psychotherapy, or adjust medications.
Redundancy risks:
Duties can overlap awkwardly with case
managers if responsibilities are not clearly defined.
Not a substitute:
Over-reliance
on peer models can occasionally delay or minimize necessary high-level clinical
interventions.
Interpersonal and Team
Dynamics
Conflicting advice:
Patients may
feel caught in the middle if a peer's
informal advice diverges from clinical recommendations.
Boundary erosion:
Dual
relationships or pre-existing community ties can complicate professional detachment.
Team friction:
Traditional
medical staff may undervalue or misunderstand the non-clinical, experiential nature of the peer
role.
Risks to the Specialist
Burnout and stress:
Re-living
trauma or managing high-intensity caseloads can jeopardize the specialist's personal recovery.
Role coercion:
Teams may
improperly pressure the CPSS to perform clerical work or clinical assessments.
FYI – AI - If you'd like to explore this further, please share: Are you looking at this from the perspective of an administrator hiring a peer, or a patient considering treatment? What specific type of program (substance use, mental health, inpatient, outpatient) are you evaluating?
Reasons not to become a Certified Peer Support Specialist
While becoming a Certified Peer
Support Specialist (CPSS) allows you to use your lived experience with mental
health or substance use recovery to help others, it is a challenging career
path that is not the right fit for everyone. The primary reasons not to pursue
this role include low average pay, high emotional burnout risks,
blurred professional boundaries, and systemic role confusion within healthcare
settings.
Before committing to the required
training and certification exams, consider the following structural, financial,
and emotional drawbacks of the profession:
Financial & Career
Limitations
Low Compensation:
Peer support
roles are typically entry-level and frequently pay close to minimum wage,
offering limited financial
sustainability.
Limited Advancement:
There is a
flat career hierarchy; moving into supervisory or clinical roles almost always
requires going back to school
for an advanced degree.
Part-Time Hours:
Many positions
are part-time or per-diem, which rarely include health insurance, retirement
plans, or paid time off.
Funding Instability:
Many peer
programs rely on temporary grants or strict Medicaid billing rules, creating
low job security and threat of sudden
layoffs.
Emotional & Mental Health
Risks
Vulnerability to Relapse:
Exposing
yourself daily to others' active
crises, trauma, or substance use can act as a psychological trigger and
compromise your own stable recovery.
Compassion Fatigue:
Constantly absorbing the heavy
emotional burdens, systemic struggles, and pain of clients can rapidly exhaust
your mental energy.
Vicarious Trauma:
Hearing
detailed accounts of abuse, overdose, or self-harm can induce secondary trauma
symptoms identical to PTSD.
Workplace & Systemic
Challenges
Role Confusion:
Clinical staff
(like therapists or doctors) often do not understand what a peer specialist
does, leading them to treat you like a clerical
assistant or token hire.
Systemic Resistance:
You may face
institutional stigma, skepticism, or a lack of respect from healthcare
colleagues who view peer support as unscientific.
Bureaucratic Burden:
If your
workplace bills through Medicaid, you will spend substantial time writing strict clinical documentation
rather than face-to-face helping.
Boundary & Ethical
Difficulties
Double-Standard
Boundaries:
You are
expected to be friendly and relatable, yet strict professional ethics prohibit
you from becoming actual friends with
clients.
Community Friction:
If you work in
the local community where you went through recovery, you are highly likely to
run into active clients in your personal life.
Co-Worker Friction:
Clinicians may
pressure you to cross ethical lines
by asking you to act as a "snitch" regarding client behaviors told to
you in confidence.
FYI – AI - If you are exploring
alternative paths to utilize your recovery story, let me know: Do you prefer one-on-one client interaction or macro-level advocacy? Are you open to pursuing a college degree or do you want a quick certification? What specific
aspect of recovery (addiction, youth mental health,
veterans) are you most passionate about?
Blogging as Work and
Contribution
Blogging has evolved from simple
online journaling into a powerful platform for professional work
and social contribution. Today, bloggers act as
independent media creators, educators,
and community builders who shape public discourse and drive economic value.
Blogging as Professional
Work
For millions of creators,
blogging is a legitimate career path that demands a diverse, highly specialized
skill set.
The Skill Set of a
Professional Blogger
Content Strategy:
Planning,
researching, and writing high-quality, engaging long-form content.
Search Engine
Optimization (SEO):
Optimizing
articles to rank on search engines and attract organic traffic.
Technical Management:
Handling
website hosting, speed optimization, user experience (UX), and security.
Data Analytics:
Interpreting
traffic patterns, bounce rates, and user behavior to refine growth strategies.
Monetization Models
Professional bloggers diversify
their income streams through several business models:
Display Advertising:
Earning
revenue through ad networks like Google AdSense, Mediavine, or Raptive based on
views and clicks.
Affiliate Marketing:
Earning a
commission by recommending products and linking to online retailers.
Sponsored Content:
Partnering
with brands to write reviews or promote products to a targeted audience.
Digital Products:
Selling
e-books, online courses, templates, or premium community memberships directly
to readers.
Blogging as a
Social and Knowledge Contribution
Beyond
financial gain, blogging serves as a vital tool for democratic information sharing, community building, and
education.
Democratizing Knowledge:
Bloggers bridge the gap between academic or industry gatekeepers and the general public. They translate complex subjects—like personal finance, coding, or mental health—into free, accessible, and practical guides.
Building Communities:
Blogs create niche spaces where like-minded individuals connect over shared interests, hobbies, or unique life challenges, fostering a sense of belonging.
Driving Social Impact:
Independent bloggers often cover grassroots movements, local
news, and marginalized perspectives that mainstream media might overlook,
sparking vital cultural and political conversations.
Comparing Blogging as Work vs. Contribution
While professional work and social contribution often overlap, they stem
from different primary motivations:
Descriptions - Content
- Peer Groups
- Self-disclosure
- Who Were You?
- Reflection
- Nature V Nurture
- Environment V Heredity
- Learning Style
- Teaching Style
- Basic Temperament Style
- Multiple Intelligence (7 Intelligences)
- Nature V Nurture
- Anything Else
Peer Groups
Peer groups are social groups comprised of individuals with similar ages, backgrounds, or social statuses, functioning as critical agents of socialization and support. They influence attitudes, behaviors, and identity formation, particularly in adolescents, and offer support through shared experiences. Positive groups enhance social skills and confidence, while negative ones can foster harmful peer pressure
Self-disclosure
Self-disclosure is the
intentional, verbal, or nonverbal act of revealing
personal information—such as thoughts, feelings, and experiences—to others. It is
crucial for building trust, intimacy, and strengthening relationships.
Effective disclosure is generally reciprocal and gradual, deepening as
relationships grow, moving from superficial topics to deeper personal revelations.
FYI – AI - Who Were You?
I am a large language model,
trained by Google. I do not have a personal history, past lives, or a physical
existence, so I was not anyone else before this. My purpose is to process information and assist with
tasks, rather than having a personal identity or memory of previous
experiences.
Reflection
Reflection in Psychology: This refers to self-reflection, a mindful contemplation of one's own thoughts, emotions, and actions to foster personal growth. It is distinct from rumination, which often involves repetitive, negative thinking.
Deeper Personal Revelations - Reflection
Manuscript > In House > Metadata >
Nature V Nurture
The nature vs. nurture debate explores whether human behavior, personality, and development are shaped primarily by genetics (nature) or environmental influences (nurture). Modern science no longer views this as a strict either/or question, but as a complex, dynamic interaction. Genetic predispositions influence how individuals respond to their environments, while environmental experiences can affect gene expression through processes such as epigenetics. As a result, human development is understood as the product of continuous interplay between biology and experience.
Environment V Heredity
Heredity (nature) and environment (nurture) interact to shape human development, with genetics providing a blueprint and environment modifying expression. Heredity transmits fixed traits like eye color, while environment covers external factors like nutrition and culture. Modern science views them as interdependent rather than opposing forces, where both determine outcomes.
Environment V Heredity Assessment
The environment vs. heredity
(nature vs. nurture) debate examines how genetic
inheritance and external factors shape human development, behavior, and
traits. Modern psychology emphasizes that both act together, with heredity
providing a range of potential and the environment determining the extent of
its development.
FYI - Which factor has more effects on human behavior?
Aside - Facebook · Human Psychology and Relations
https://www.facebook.com/groups/832797380880653/posts/1701994237294292/
150+ comments
Sample - Joanne Darocha Saunders ·
Studies show identical twins separated at birth, being
raised in different environments, have the tendency to take the same careers,
have similar interests and style and more. This is an indicator that genetics has more effect on
human behavior. This does not negate the significant influence environment has
on individuals, but it is secondary.
Learning Style
Learning styles refer to preferred methods of absorbing, processing, and retaining information, commonly categorized into Visual, Auditory, Reading/Writing, and Kinesthetic (VARK) types. Identifying your style—through observation or assessments like VARK—helps tailor study techniques (e.g., flashcards, discussing, mapping) to improve comprehension, though critics note that evidence supporting improved learning outcomes from matching styles is limited.
Buster’s Temperament Learning Types
SJ | NF | NT | SP
The four temperament learning
types (SJ, NF, NT, & SP) describe distinct cognitive approaches to acquiring knowledge and motivating
behavior.
E = Extrovert | I Introvert
SJs (Guardians) prefer structure and tradition
NFs (Idealists) focus on meaning and connection, NTs (Rationals) prioritize logic and competence, and
SPs
(Artisans) learn through action and spontaneity
SJ (Sensible
Decision-making/Guardians
ISTJ, ISFJ, ESTJ, ESFJ): These learners are reliable, detailed-oriented, and prefer learning through established systems, routines, and practical application. They often learn best by watching a task (modeling) and then doing it themselves. They are motivated by security and responsibility.
NF (Enthusiastic
Insightful/Idealists)
INFJ, INFP, ENFJ, ENFP): NFs focus on understanding, personal growth, and authentic connection. They are often described as "soulmates" in relationships and value deep, meaningful, and intuitive learning. They are people-focused and motivated by making a difference.
NT (Logical Ingenious/Rationals)
INTJ, INTP, ENTJ, ENTP): NTs are logical, strategic, and prioritize competence, seeking to understand the underlying principles of how things work. They are analytical and often enjoy solving complex, abstract problems or studying theories.
SP (Sensible Adaptable
Active/Artisans
ISTP, ISFP, ESTP, ESFP): SPs are hands-on, spontaneous, and action-oriented learners. They learn best by doing, adapting to new information in the moment, and troubleshooting, rather than through abstract theory or rigid schedules.
a: learned1 (Circa 2000)
Learning Types
In this class I have learned the Keirsey Bates system of differentiating learning styles. Under this system there are four types of learning styles. The SJ’s who perform best in a structured environment with clear cut assignments. SJ’s also use outlining and listing in the learning process. The NF’s prefer cooperative learning, social sciences and creativity. They might just invent a system for themselves to assist them learn. The NT’s are intellectually competitive preferring analytical disciplines such as computer science. Finally, the SP’s prefer hands-on environment and exploration. In addition SP’s enjoy motion. From a teaching standpoint I see that I will reach more students by incorporating components in lessons for all the types.
Intelligences
Before I started this class I thought that I had decided how I would teach. I now see that I will not reach from 20-40% of my students. I am going to explore ideas, like the exercise we had in class when we assembled a lesson that considers each of the seven intelligences.
Promising Practice
Back to Keirsey Bates. I see that there are significant differences between the conservative SJ’s, compassionate NF’s, wise NT’s and competitive SP’s. Each temperament has its deficits, assets, traits stressors, and needs. As a teacher it is my responsibility to consider the variations and best meet the needs of all.
Teach to the Intelligence (Circa 2000)
The theory of multiple intelligences is new to me. I was surprised to find that I am as strong musically as mathematically. I have always suspected that more is working right in our heads then just verbal, math and analytical abilities. I find it refreshing to see some hope that people may be given opportunities and instruction that caters to their particular intelligence(s).
Genes and the Environment
I found the article that discusses the heritability of behavioral traits interesting. The article states that there is now strong evidence supporting the power of genes on behavior. How much of behavior is genetic and how much is environmental? The article indicates that the amount of genetic influences is dependent on the trait. Some behavioral traits are strongly controlled by genes (for example aggression -- on X chromosome). When examining the genetic component, I agree that most traits are the result of gene complexes. After reading this article, I might conclude that between pharmacology, eugenics and gene-treatment much of the genetic component is neutralizable. With the determination of the genes out of the way the environment may then take on more control. Ultimately we may then be able to efficiently modify, environmentally, traits such as obesity, ADD, and over-aggression.
Teaching Style
Teaching styles are the specific methods, strategies, and philosophies instructors use to deliver content, largely influenced by their personality and the needs of their students. Common approaches include teacher-centered authority (lectures), demonstrator (coaching), and student-centered, such as facilitator (inquiry-based) or delegator (group-based).
Basic Temperament Style
Basic temperament styles are inborn, biological traits defining how individuals approach and react to the world, typically categorized into four types—Sanguine (sociable), Choleric (assertive), Melancholy (analytical), and Phlegmatic (calm). These traits influence energy levels, emotional intensity, and adaptability from infancy, often affecting how people learn, work, and interact.
Test your Temperament
Historical Association
PDF
Test your Temperament - 2 pages
https://onefamilyhwl.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Personality-Temperament-Test.pdf
What's My Personality Temperament?
Each section represents one of
four Temperaments:
SECTION 1:
Sanguine Temperament (fun-loving extrovert;
outgoing; very social; "the life of the party") - EXTROVERT
SECTION 2:
Choleric Temperament (focused;
extrovert; goal oriented; "the achiever") - EXTROVERT
SECTION 3:
Melancholy Temperament (detailed;
introspective; artistic; "the naturally gifted") - INTROVERT
SECTION 4:
Phlegmatic Temperament (easy going; stable; consistent; "the loyal friend") – INTROVERT
Multiple Intelligence (7 Intelligences)
Howard Gardner’s Theory of
Multiple Intelligences proposes that intelligence is not a single general ability (g factor AKA General
Intelligence Factor) but a collection of distinct modalities. Originally
defining seven, and later expanding to eight or more, this theory suggests
people possess unique, relatively autonomous
cognitive strengths and learn, solve problems, and create products in diverse
ways.
5.00 is the maximum
Scored by and for Keith “Buster”
Torkelson, MS, BS
[20260812-W-Fails Link Check -
Redirects]
https://www.institute4learning.com/2019/11/06/multiple-intelligences-assessment/
Nature V Nurture – Round 2
The nature versus nurture debate
explores whether human behavior,
personality, and intelligence are shaped mostly by biology and genetics
(nature) or by environment, upbringing, and life experiences (nurture).
Modern science shows that both forces interact constantly to influence who we
become.
Understanding Nature and
Nurture
Nature: Refers to biological blueprints, innate traits, and genetic codes
inherited from biological parents.
Nurture:
Encompasses
external factors after conception, including parenting styles, culture, social
relationships, and physical surroundings.
Historical views:
Early thinkers
like Plato favored nature, while John Locke viewed the mind as a blank slate (tabula
rasa) driven entirely by nurture.
How They Interact Today
Epigenetics:
Environmental
factors like stress, diet, or trauma can alter how genes are expressed without
changing the underlying DNA code.
Twin studies:
Identical
twins raised in different homes often share striking personality and
intelligence traits, proving a strong genetic baseline, yet differences show
the environment still leaves a mark.
Niche picking:
People often
seek out environments that match their genetic tendencies, meaning our nature
can actively shape our nurture.
Why I never became a certified peer support specialist?
Based on the common barriers to becoming a certified peer support specialist, here are several reasons why you may not have completed the process:
Financial Constraints:
Training and certification fees
can be expensive, and not everyone can afford to pay for them, particularly if
they are not covered by an employer.
Time Commitment:
The certification process is
demanding, often requiring 80 or more
hours of specialized training in addition to passing an exam.
Work Experience Requirements:
Many states require 1–2 years of recovery time,
along with documented work or volunteer hours in the mental health field, which
can be hard to secure.
High Emotional Labor:
Working in peer support requires
sustained mental and emotional energy, and some may find the work too overwhelming for their own
ongoing recovery.
Lack of Job Opportunities/Low
Pay:
Some individuals decide against
certification after discovering that jobs are hard to find in their area, or
that the pay is quite low for
the amount of work and training required.
Complexity of State Requirements:
Because certification is handled
on a state-by-state basis, navigating the specific requirements and finding
approved training programs can be confusing and challenging.
Finding a Supervisor:
You may have struggled to find
the necessary mentorship or
supervision required for the, often mandated, supervised work
experience hours.
Ethical Constraints:
The strict adherence to a code of ethics or requirements to work within a system that does not align with your own, can be a hurdle
People Interested in CPSS Related - Talked over with:
- Alan B.
- Richard K.
- Min
- Denise C.
Would I add a Peer Support Specialist to my treatment team?
Adding a Peer Support Specialist
to your care team helps you gain
real-world support from someone with lived experience with mental
health or substance use challenges, offering unique guidance, empathy, and
personal insight that clinical staff cannot always provide.
Benefits of Peer Support
Shared Experience:
They
understand your struggles because they walked a similar path.
Goal Setting:
They help you
make practical plans for your daily life and recovery.
Hope and Encouragement:
They show you
that long-term wellness is possible.
Bridge to Care:
They help you
talk more easily with your doctors and therapists.
How They Fit on Your Team
They work
alongside your primary doctor, therapist, and case manager.
They do not
give medical advice or diagnose health conditions.
They focus on
your personal goals, coping skills, and community connections.
FYI – AI - If you'd like, let me
know: What kind of support you are looking for. If you are currently working with a clinic
or health program. I can help you find out how to connect with a peer
specialist.
In Scope
Personal Goal Setting
Coping Skills
Community
Connectedness
How is certified peer support specialist billed?
- What is the billing code for CPSS?
- HCPCS Code for Self-help/peer services, per 15 minutes H0038
- https://www.aapc.com/codes/hcpcs-codes/H0038
How much does a peer support specialist make in California?
Certified Peer Specialist Salary
in California
The average Certified Peer
Specialist salary in California
is $42,463 as of August 27, 2023, but the range typically falls between $38,052
and $47,355.
Update
As of March 2026, the average
annual salary for a Certified Peer
Specialist in California has shifted, with sources now indicating a
range closer to $39,655 to $83,421 depending on the reporting organization,
location, and experience. While some reports indicated a median closer to $42,000 in early 2026, others factoring in
high-paying regions and specialized skills report a higher average. Salary
Details (2026): Average Hourly Rate: Approximately $19.06 to $24.05 per hour.
Health & Human Services Unstable Field
The Health and Human Services
(HHS) field faces severe instability
driven by workforce shortages,
high turnover, budget
constraints, and recent federal restructuring.
Key Causes of Instability
Workforce Shortages &
High Turnover:
Many agencies
experience vacancy rates above 15%
for client-facing roles, with licensed clinicians seeing shortages near 22%.
High workloads and low pay drive chronic
burnout.
Funding Uncertainty:
Organizations
depend heavily on grants and
government budgets that change year over year, leaving non-profit and
state programs vulnerable.
Federal Reorganization
& Cuts:
Significant
workforce reductions and agency restructuring at the federal level have
disrupted operational capacity
and service delivery.
Administrative Burdens:
Increasing
compliance and documentation requirements pull workers away from direct client
care, accelerating job dissatisfaction.
Aside - Pacific Clinics Consumer Training Program
https://www.pacificclinics.org/training/elevate-peer-support-training-and-placement-program/
The Orange County Health Care
Agency (OCHCA) utilizes [Utilized] Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Workforce
Education and Training (WET) funds to support education, stakeholder
engagement, and peer-staff development, historically implementing specialized
initiatives like the Consumer Training Program via the Behavioral
Health Services Training Department.
Core Focus Areas
Peer &
Paraprofessional Education:
Equips mental
health service consumers and family members with skills to function effectively within the public behavioral health system.
Workforce Inclusion:
Integrates
lived experience into local agencies to address community staffing shortages
and champion recovery principles.
Employment & Benefits
Support:
Offers specialized
instruction—such as the Disability Benefits and Employment Training
Unit—guiding beneficiaries and coordinators through vocational rehabilitation
and work incentives.
Access & Navigation
Office Coordination:
Managed
alongside the Office of Consumer and Family Affairs
which assists clients in navigating local behavioral health resources.
Inquiries:
Direct
scheduling, community training updates, and program availability can be
requested through Behavioral Health Training Services (BHTS) at (714) 667-5600.
FYI – AI - If you are looking for
specific enrollment details, a current training schedule, or information on
peer certification, please let me know.
What does a peer support specialist do?
Medi-Cal Peer Support Services
Specialist Program – DHCS
Engagement may include supporting
beneficiaries in their transitions between levels of care and supporting
beneficiaries in developing
their own recovery goals and processes.
What are the 4 tasks of peer
support?
Intentional Peer Support |
Department of Health and Human Services
http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/obh/training-certification/intentional-peer-support
The Four Tasks of Intentional
Peer Support
- Building Connection (Rapport)
- Helping each other understand how we've come to know what we know (worldview)
- Re-defining help as a co-learning and growing process (mutuality)
- Moving towards what we want, rather than away from what we don't want.
Benefits of Peer Support Specialist Certification
FYI - How to Become a Certified
Peer Support Specialist – LinkedIn (Metadata)
One of the benefits of becoming a certified peer support specialist is that you can…
CPSS Promises
Experience personal growth & healing
- Through your work
- Sharing your story
- Gain a deeper understanding of yourself
- Gain a deeper understanding of your strengths
- Identify areas for improvement
Sep 18, 2023
Certified peer specialist salary
in United States - Indeed
https://www.indeed.com/career/certified-peer-specialist/salaries
Search for: Where do peer support specialists make the most money?
Highest paying cities for
Certified Peer Specialists near United States (2023)
Notions
- Protective Value
- Help replace family support
- If you think you are never going into the hospital again
- Supplant existing efforts
Assessments
- Standard peer performance assessments
- Satisfaction
- Quality of Life
Aside - Fit for the job screening
Workability Assessment Tool (WAI)
Jobs to Fill Gaps for CPSS
- Family Supports
- Compensation
- Find a Bed
- Help move
- Help shop for insurance
- Medical Proxy
- Pick up medication
- Talk to doctor
- Talk on Phone
- Transportation
- Visit/pick up from hospital
- Visit/pick up from jail
20261008-TH-Note: $3,200 per month needed V $2,000 actual
FAQ - Do CPSSs lose Medi-Cal (Hospitalization)?
How is a certified peer support
specialist billed?
Certified peer support specialists are billed primarily through Medicaid (Medi-Cal in California) using specific HCPCS codes, such as H0038 for individual self-help/peer services and H0025 for group services. Services are typically billed in 15-minute increments by a qualified, certified organization, often requiring a "175T00000X" taxonomy code.
CPSS – What and Where
Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) training and
continuing education hours are typically not prorated for
initial certification, meaning candidates must complete the full required
curriculum (such as the standard 80-hour core competency training required by CalMHSA
in California).
Key Rules on Training and Education
Hours
Initial Training:
The mandatory 80-hour foundational training
must be completed in full through an approved
provider; partial or prorated hours from incomplete non-approved
programs generally do not transfer.
Continuing Education
(CE):
For ongoing
renewal (e.g., 20 CE hours
every two years under California Medi-Cal standards), hours are standard and
fixed, though specific part-time employment or facility staffing adjustments
may allow prorated ratios for organizational full-time employee (FTE)
calculations rather than individual credentialing.
Certificate Lifespan:
Training
completion certificates often carry an expiration
window (such as 2nd-year limits) before you must sit for the exam.
FAQ - Where is Certified Peer Support Training offered in Orange County?
Mental Health Workers
Paraprofessional (160 Hours in Class)
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