What Does It Take to Be a Certified Peer Specialist?

A certified peer specialist is an individual who has experienced a mental health disorder and wants to help others with similar issues. This individual has been trained and certified to help by offering advice and guidance that would resonate with people in the mental health system.
If you are someone who has been enrolled in treatment for any number of mental health conditions, you may qualify to become a certified peer specialist.
To qualify to be a peer specialist you must have experience as a patient in a mental health program, have graduated high school or earned your GED, and show that you have either volunteered or been employed for at least one year.
Once you meet the requirements, you can start the certified peer specialist training program.
The training course consists of 10 eight hour sessions held throughout the year. These sessions cover topics that help you recognize and discuss mental health issues, and offer tips for mentoring your peers.
To become certified you must complete two tests. One tests your knowledge of the materials, and the other tests how you would react in various mentoring situations.
Elwyn utilizes certified peer specialists in what they call their Partners in Recovery program. Peer specialists assist mental health patients with the day-to-day activities needed to live a happy and productive life. Some of the tasks of a certified peer specialist are help resolve disputes between housing authorities or employers. Teach vital life skills, like time and money management, problem solving, and strengthening social skills.
To learn more about being a certified peer specialist at Elwyn call 610-891-2000 or visit www.elwyn.org.