Sonoma County, California 94952, United States
PEER SUPPORT SONOMA COUNTY
Petaluma Peer Recovery Center
Petaluma Peer Recovery Center
Petaluma Peer Recovery Center
Mental health peer run drop in center
OPen Monday Wednesday and Thursday
10: 00am - 3:00pm
5350 Old Redwood Highway
Suite 600
Petaluma
(707) 565-1299
Mission : To build community by fostering growth and recovery through connection with mental health peers.
PPRC was founded in January of 2012 by volunteers as the Petaluma Peer Recovery Project becoming the Peer Recovery Center in 2017 with our move to our current location. PPRC is supported by Sonoma County Behavioral Health who contracted with West County Services in July 2020 to run peer services and is funded by the Mental Health Services Act and donations.
Both members and staff of PPRC have experienced mental health challenges. The PPRC Community is dedicated to supporting one another through wellness, compassion, creativity, and humor.
WARMLINE (707) 565-1299
Manager Sean Kelson Sean.Kelson@westcountyservices.org
Wellness and Advocacy Center
Petaluma Peer Recovery Center
Petaluma Peer Recovery Center
The Wellness and Advocacy Center
2245 Challenger Way #104
Santa Rosa, Ca 95407
Phone: 707-565-7800 Fax: 707-565-7838
Our Mission
“Together, we are moving toward Mental Health recovery in a safe, non-judgmental peer community.”
Monday – Friday
9 AM – 4 PM
Except Wednesday
9 AM – 2 PM
Contact : Manager Sean Bolan,
(707) 565-7804 or Sean.Bolan@westcountyservices.org
Interlink
Petaluma Peer Recovery Center
The Russian River Empowerment Center
1033 Fourth St. Santa Rosa, CA 95404
Phone: (707)546-4481
Fax: (707)546-4515
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday
9:30 to 4:00
Thursday 9:30 to 2:00
The mission of interlink self-help center is to provide a safe environment in which those of us facing our mental health challenges can improve our quality of life through self-help, mutual support and empowerment.
Mindful Self-Compassion with Claire Newman
Wednesdays 2:00 to 3:00
The focus of this group is to support us to become more aware of what we are experiencing in the present moment and look at it with non-judgement, compassion, and self-kindness. We will use different meditations and exercises in this process as well as personal experiences of mindful self-compassion from members of this group. Some of the exercises will include: loving kindness meditation, creating affirmations that fit our own personal needs, treating ourselves as we would a good friend, identifying your self-critical voice, and self-soothing exercises. I will be leading some of the meditations and exercises as well as utilizing presenters on YouTube such asTara Brach and Jack Kornfield. I hope you can join me!
Mindful Self-Compassion with Claire Newman link:
https://zoom.us/j/95826000310?pwd=ckJPY1B6RFNYR0dLa1QyUks1OThoZz09
Contact: Manager Sean Kelson Sean.Kelson@westcountyservices.org
The Russian River Empowerment Center
The Russian River Empowerment Center
The Russian River Empowerment Center
The Russian River Empowerment Center is now officially at their new location in Monte Rio!
Our new location is 9925 Main Street, Monte Rio. Temporary hours are
Monday and Wednesday, 11:30 am-4:30 pm,
Tuesday and Thursday from 2:00 pm-4:30pm.
We are sorry, but NO pets allowed.
Our Mission:
“To provide a safe place for people chronically challenged by behavioral health issues to work on their mental health recovery.”
Contact: Christy Davila, LMFT 102201
Director of Counseling and Behavioral Health
(707) 823-1640 ext 391
(530) 513-7832 (cell)
Senior Peer Counselors
The Russian River Empowerment Center
Senior Peer Counselors
Volunteer Senior Peer Counselors are caring individuals who offer empathetic listening and support to help other seniors share concerns, and gain a healthier perspective and better emotional balance. Senior Peer Counselors are all seniors themselves who volunteer their time to visit other seniors in their homes, providing 12 sessions of supportive counseling free of cost.
All Senior Peer Counselors have completed training and receive ongoing supervision by a licensed professional. Support groups for Senior Men and Senior Women are also offered at various locations in Sonoma County.
For more information or to request services call the Senior Peer Counseling intake line at 823-1640 ext. 380.
Contact Melissa Fike, MFT Senior Adult Counseling Division Director 707-823-1640 ext 301 melissa.fike@westcountyservices.org
NAMI Sonoma County
The Russian River Empowerment Center
Senior Peer Counselors
Mission: NAMI Sonoma County is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals affected by mental illness, and their families, by providing mental health education, support and advocacy.
Address: 182 Farmers Lane #202, Santa Rosa 95405Phone: 707-527-6655Email: info@namisoco.org
For mental health information, support or referrals
- call or text the Warmline (866-960-6264),
- email warmline@namisoco.org,
- start a live chat at www.namisoco.org.
Contact: Mary Frances Walsh
" Find Help Find Hope"
Buckelew Programs
Making Magic Happen
Making Magic Happen
Buckelew Programs’ mission is to promote recovery, resilience and hope by providing behavioral health and support services that enhance quality of life.
We help people in Northern California with mental health, addiction, and related behavioral health challenges lead healthier, more independent lives, strengthening families and communities in the process.
We tailor our treatment and support services to the unique needs of each individual, encouraging the active collaboration of loved ones and other supporters.
- Sonoma County Independent Living
- Transitional Age Youth
- Forensic Assertive Community Treatment (FACT)
- Family Services Coordination
- Buckelew Suicide Prevention
Contact Main Office
- 1401 Los Gamos #240, San Rafael, CA 94903
- 415-457-6964
- info@buckelew.org
Making Magic Happen
Making Magic Happen
Making Magic Happen
Peer Support Group. Begins October 1st, Thursdays 1- 2pm PST. Sign up via email: MagicMHRecovery@gmail.com
Monthly Introduction Class – First Thursdays at 11:00 am PST
Speaker Series – Thursday, October 8, 2020 at 11:00 am
Monthly Health Education Class Friday October 16, 2020 at 11:00 am PST
Online (Zoom) Groups
Let's Go! Claire's Adventure Group
Let's Go! Claire's Adventure Group
Let's Go! Claire's Adventure Group
Tuesdays 2:00 to 3:00
Would you like to tour cities, museums, go on nature walks, and beyond? Then let’s go! Come join Claire's Adventure Zoom Group! The tickets are free, come and join in! Our Interlink trips to museums, the fair and nature walks have been big hits, and although we cannot do those in person right now, we can go on virtual trips together to almost anywhere! We can tour the Santa Rosa Museum, ride a cable car in San Francisco, tour the Louvre, the Andromeda galaxy, and beyond. Let's go! (Link below - also available on our website and Facebook pages.)
Let's Go! Claire's Adventure Zoom Group
link:
https://zoom.us/j/99197664347?pwd=US9UczhXVXVOd0lYdHRtM3dZRVR2Zz09
Mindful Self-Compassion
Let's Go! Claire's Adventure Group
Let's Go! Claire's Adventure Group
Wednesdays 2:00 to 3:00
The focus of this group is to support us to become more aware of what we are experiencing in the present moment and look at it with non-judgement, compassion, and self-kindness. We will use different meditations and exercises in this process as well as personal experiences of mindful self-compassion from members of this group. Some of the exercises will include: loving kindness meditation, creating affirmations that fit our own personal needs, treating ourselves as we would a good friend, identifying your self-critical voice, and self-soothing exercises. I will be leading some of the meditations and exercises as well as utilizing presenters on YouTube such asTara Brach and Jack Kornfield. I hope you can join me!
link:
https://zoom.us/j/95826000310?pwd=ckJPY1B6RFNYR0dLa1QyUks1OThoZz09
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Let's Go! Claire's Adventure Group
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NAMI Support Groups
West County Care & Share
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Our support groups are free, but require registration. Registered attendees receive a weekly link by email to join in. using the Zoom app on a smartphone, tablet or computer. For more information and to register, contact our Warmline (call 866-960-6264 or email info@namisoco.org). These groups open to anyone affected by a mental health condition, whether you are in recovery (Connection) or are supporting a loved one (Family Support Group) who lives mental health challenges:
- NAMI-Connection Thursdays at 11:30 AM
- NAMI Family Support Group: Thursdays at 2:00 PM
- NAMI Connection: Thursdays at 5:30 PM
These groups are open to anyone seeking to more effectively manage their reactions to stress and learn tools for building resilience.
- New! Stress Relief Hour Tuesdays at 5:30 PM
- Wellness Chat & Check In: Wednesdays at 12:00 PM
- Wellness Chat & Check In: Fridays at 4:30 PM
West County Care & Share
West County Care & Share
West County Care & Share
West County Care & Share Friday, June 26 th , 2020 3:00-4:30 PM This group is a free and on-going drop-in support group led by trained family members for family and friends with mental illness or emotional disorders. All facilitation services and course materials are free to class participants.
Location: Zoom Group Call
Facilitated By: Jessica Wolfe and Katie Swan, Buckelew Programs
If you are interested in joining our zoom support meetings, please contact:
Katie Swan : Team Leader, Family Service Coordination, Buckelew
Work Cell: 707-583-5284 Email: katies@buckelew.org
Michael Ellison: Administrative Assistant, Family Service Coordination, Buckelew
Work Cell: 707-237-1334 Email: michaele@buckelew.org https://buckelew.org/
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West County Care & Share
West County Care & Share
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Latinex Peer Support Sonoma County
Humanidad Therapy and Education Services (HTES)
Humanidad Therapy and Education Services (HTES)
Humanidad Therapy and Education Services (HTES)
is culturally relevant because it is a practice that has embraced for generations, as a way to come together. Convivencia model as a therapeutic practice:
❖ It encourages peer-to-peer support.
❖ Promotes inclusion and access to mental health by engaging Latinx individuals, families, school communities and other community members in a non-threatening practice that is culturally understood and accepted.
❖ The Convivencia model is unique within HTES because it allows the conversation about mental health to emerge without fear or judgment.
❖ This process of coming together with those who have garnered trust and respect and who support, challenge, understand, empathize and show compassion, is experienced in the quality of connection, community, dialogue, inclusivity, and engagement. We see these attributes of Conviviendo as opportunities for depth-oriented individual and family therapy, and as a way to bring together both humanistic and traditional indigenous practices as critical components of this intervention.
Latino Service Providers
Humanidad Therapy and Education Services (HTES)
Humanidad Therapy and Education Services (HTES)
Under a grant from the state Office of Health Equity, California Reducing Disparities Project will fund a four-year initiative that will train 16-20 local students (ages 16-25) annually as mental health ambassadors( Promotores de salud mental y emocional). The students will receive training at Santa Rosa Junior College as community health workers and work with mental health experts, as well as cultural and artistic leaders who can help them collect information about mental and behavioral health issues affecting the local Latino community.
Youth Promotores will impact mental health within the broader Latino community, but specifically their own spheres of influence, which will take place within the identified high schools, along with other youth activities where the YPs engage with immediate friendships, sports activities, clubs, social activities and other youth congregating hubs within the community. This includes the robust and active social media arenas and other digital and nondigital forums that are identified by the youth and are genuinely relevant to Latino youth.
Achieved through the process of (peer)outreach and engagement.
More CAlifornia Peer Support
California Peer-Run Warm Line
California Peer-Run Warm Line
California Peer-Run Warm Line
California Peer-Run Warm Line 24/7
855-845-7415
Mental Health Association of San Francisco - Mental Health Association San Francisco
Press Release: 24/7 CA Peer-Run Warm Line Available for Coronavirus (COVID-19) Support “…immediate, free non-emergency emotional support is uniquely available to all California residents via telephone or instant messaging through the California Peer-Run Warm Line.” Careers at MHASF 855-845-7415
Chat Donate Updates
ALERT: MHASF has SUSPENDED all in-person meetings/groups in response to COVID-19. Please email […]
PEERS Inc, Oakland, Alameda
California Peer-Run Warm Line
California Peer-Run Warm Line
PEERS confronts mental health stigma by delivering support groups, workshops, and community outreach.
We are the premier peer-led mental health alternative for Alameda County residents.
333 Hegenberger Road, Suite 250
Oakland CA 94621
(510) 832-7337
Mon - Fri 8:30am - 5:00pm
MHA San Francisco
California Peer-Run Warm Line
MHA San Francisco
California Warm Line 1(855)845-7415
Mental Health Association of San Francisco
870 Market Street, Suite 928
San Francisco, California 94102
Telephone: (415) 421-2926
Fax: (415) 421-2928
Email: info@mentalhealthsf.org
Mark Salazar
Executive Director
Phone: (415) 421-2926, ext. 317
Email: mark@mentalhealthsf.org
Heart & Soul Inc
POCC; Oakland, Alameda
MHA San Francisco
We are here for you!
San Mateo County Peer-Run Warm Line:
650-231-2024
Instant access to peer support counselors and mentors.
The Peer-Run Warm Line is a free non-emergency resource for anyone seeking support.
If you would like a support phone call, please call us at:
650-232-7426
and leave a voicemail with your name and phone number.
One of our peer support specialists will return your call.
Or you can reach out for one-on-one support
by sending an email to our “help” email ineedsupport@heartandsoulinc.org
You will be contacted by one of our peer support specialists.
MHCAN of Santa Cruz
POCC; Oakland, Alameda
POCC; Oakland, Alameda
MHCAN of Santa Cruz
Mental Health Client Action Network
Front Desk: (831) 469-0462
Peer Line: (831) 469-0479
Driver: (831) 854-8595
Outreach: (831) NEW NUMBER
Email: mail@mhcan.org
Address: 1051 Cayuga Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
POCC; Oakland, Alameda
POCC; Oakland, Alameda
POCC; Oakland, Alameda
Pool of Consumer Champions (POCC)
In August of 2006, Alameda County Behavioral Health Care Services (ACBHCS) hired a Consumer Relations Manager, who hired 4 additional consumer staff. Within a year, with support of mental health administration, the Pool of Consumer Champions (POCC), an active grass roots group of consumers geographically representing Alameda County, was born.
For more information contact Mary Hogden at mhogden@acbhcs.org
Behavioral Health Care Services, Prevention
2000 Embarcadero, 4th Floor Oakland, CA 94606
(510) 383-1792 | Contact Us
USA Peer Support
Harm Reduction Coalition
International Association of Peer Supporters
International Association of Peer Supporters
Harm Reduction Coalition was founded in 1993 and incorporated in 1994 by a working group of needle exchange providers, advocates and drug users. Today, we are strengthened by an extensive and diverse network of allies who challenge the persistent stigma faced by people who use drugs and advocate for policy and public health reform.
Harm Reduction Coalition was founded in Oakland, California, and we maintain one of our offices in downtown Oakland. Our team works on a variety of issues related to harm reduction programming, training, advocacy, and policy to ensure that people who use drugs in California receive the resources they need.
International Association of Peer Supporters
International Association of Peer Supporters
International Association of Peer Supporters
Dana Foglesong
President, iNAPS Board of Directors
Mailing Address:
PO Box 755
Norton, MA 02766
DUNS/SAM Registration iNAPS is a 501 (c) 3 Non-profit W9
NAPS has reorganizied and rebranded as the National Association of Peer Supporters. With this change iNAPS has a new logo (see above) and is now officially the International Association of Peer Supporters, Inc doing business as the National Association of Peer Supporters, Inc.
To align more closely with the mission of iNAPS, iNAPS will prioritize the development of a professional association of peer support specialists by recruiting and uniting peer support workers as members of the professional association. iNAPS will direct its focus to providing services to their members and promoting the interests of peer support specialists.
covid 19 Peer support
Tips for Self-Care During COVID-19 in English
MHA National support group and discussion community
SAMHSA Virtual Recovery Resources for Isolation
While it's necessary to keep up-to-date and make changes to daily life in order to help control the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus), the constant news cycle coupled with social distancing measures can have a real impact on mental health.
During times of change and uncertainty it is ever more important to incorporate self-care and structure into your schedule. And while your typical self-care routine may no longer be available, there are ways to stay healthy and remain connected. Every day take a moment (or more) to take care of yourself.
To aid individuals and communities during this time, Each Mind Matters has compiled a range of resources and information.
The full webpage is here.
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SAMHSA Virtual Recovery Resources for Isolation
MHA National support group and discussion community
SAMHSA Virtual Recovery Resources for Isolation
In an infectious disease outbreak, when social distancing and self-quarantine are needed to limit and control the spread of the disease, continued social connectedness to maintain recovery are critically important. Virtual resources can and should be used during this time.
This tip sheet describes resources that can be used to virtually support recovery from mental/substance use disorders . It also provides resources to help local recovery programs create virtual meetings.
To aid individuals and communities during this time, SAMHSA has compiled a range of resources. The full tip sheet is here.
Virtual Recovery Resources:
https://files.constantcontact.com/2020045a401/32dc222c-a2e3-4368-8efc-4ebac3f40f40.pdf
MHA National support group and discussion community
MHA National support group and discussion community
MHA National support group and discussion community
MHA National support group and discussion community
Connect with individuals impacted by mental health conditions for support. Discuss depression, anxiety, OCD, PSTD, schizophrenia and more in the forums.
The group forum is available Here.
Butte County
CA Surgeon General's Guide to Family Stress Relief
MHA National support group and discussion community
Butte County is providing Telepsych Peer Support services via Zoom,
Monday-Friday
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Zoom ID 809-274979
http://us04web.zoom.us/j/809274979
All Welcome!
CA Surgeon General's Guide to Family Stress Relief
CA Surgeon General's Guide to Family Stress Relief
CA Surgeon General's Guide to Family Stress Relief
Many of us are feeling a lot of stress right now. Even for adults, it can be tough to recognize that what we feel as irritability, difficulty focusing, insomnia or changes in appetite can actually be signs that are bodies are feeling the effects of stress. For kids, no matter the age, their brains and bodies are even more vulnerable to the harmful effects of stress than adults, and most often, they aren't able recognize or verbalize it. Stress in kids may show up differently than our stress as adults does. This Stress-Busting Playbook can help you understand what to look out for and what you can do to protect your family's health.
To aid individuals and communities during this time, the California Surgeon General has compiled a range of resources and information. The full document is available here.
California Association of Mental Health Peer Run Organizatio
Audio Visual Archives
CAHMPROs Audio-Visual Recording Channel.
You will find all the webinars and tutorials if you’ve missed them.
- Featured Videos
- Recently Added
- Monthly Peer Webinars Rotation 2nd Thurs. noon
- Quarterly Grow & Sustain Series
- Peer Action League Quarterly Webinars
- The ABCs of Advocacy Web Series
- Supporting Client Culture
Consumer Movement
CAMHPRO
CAMHPRO, founded in 2012, is a 501(c)3 non-profit incorporated consumer-run statewide organization consisting of member entities, which are established, independent and successful consumer-run organizations, and individual consumer members.
“to transform communities and the mental health system throughout California to empower, support, and ensure the rights of consumers, eliminate stigma, and advance self-determination for all those affected by mental health issues by championing the work of consumers and consumer-run organizations.”
California
Everyone Counts Campaign Alameda CA
NOTE: For Historical purposes only: Peer certification is not required in California (October 2019)
SB10 Vetoed Oct 13, 2019
SB 906 Vetoed 2018
SB 214 Vetoed 2017
See more about peer certification bills
California trails 31 states in the US where peer specialists are an essential service component in the public behavioral health system. The goal of having peer specialists State certified with consistent standards for training, recognized as valuable and legitimate members of the provider community, and able to bill for their unique services is long overdue.
Here are some things you may not already (but need to) know about peer support:
1. Peer support is effective and cost-effective.
2. Recovery takes place in relationships.
3. Recovery is self-determined
4. Now is the time.
5. You can add your voice to the growing demand for a statewide structure to promote effective peer-provided recovery services in California.
OSHPD and the Planning Council
Recommendation 1
Develop a statewide certification for Peer Support Specialists
Recommendation 2
Identify or create a single certifying body that is peer-operated and/or partner with an existing peer-operated entity with capacity for granting certification.
Recommendation 3
Include Peer Support as a service and Peer Support Specialist as a provider type within a new State Plan Amendment.
Recommendation 4
Include in the State Plan the ability to grant site certification for peer-operated agencies to provide billable Peer Support Services.
Recommendation 5
Address the concern that current practice of documentation for billing may not be aligned with the values and principles of Peer Support and a wellness, recovery and resiliency orientation.
Recommendation 6
Investigate the options for broadening the definition of “service recipient” to include parents and family members of minors receiving services so that Peer Support Services can be accessed more easily.
Recommendation 7
Convene a working group consisting of Working Well Together, the Mental Health Directors, the Office of Statewide Healthcare Planning and Development (OSHPD) and the Department of Health Care Services to develop buy-in and policies that will create consistency of practice regarding Peer Support Services across the state.
Recommendation 8
Develop standards and oversight for the provider/entity that provides training of Peer Support Specialists.
Recommendation 9
Establish qualifications for who may supervise Peer Support Specialists.
Recommendation 10
Develop a plan to provide extensive and expansive training on the values, philosophy and efficacy of peer support to mental health administration and staff.
Recommendation 11
Develop a plan to ensure that welcoming environments are created that embrace the use of multi-disciplinary teams that can incorporate Peer Support Specialists fully onto mental health teams.
Recommendation 12
Develop a policy statement that recognizes and defines the unique service components of peer support as separate and distinct from other disciplines and services in order to maintain the integrity of peer support services.
Recommendation 13
Develop a policy statement and plan that supports the professional development of Peer Support Specialists that allows the practitioner to maintain and hone his/her professional values, ethics and principles.
Recommendation 14
Develop a plan for funding the development of certification.
Recommendation 15
Seek representation on committees and workgroups that are addressing civil service barriers to the employment of Peer Support Specialists.
Recommendation 16
Work with Mental Health Directors to seek agreement on a desired workforce minimum of Peer Support Specialists within each county to more fully actualize the intent of the MHSA.
Recommendation 17
Develop state-wide models that can inform county leadership on the development of career ladders for Peer Support Specialists that begin with non-certified Peer Support Specialists and creates pathways into management and leadership positions.
Nebraska
Additional Information
The Guidelines and the certification process were developed by the DBH Office of Consumer Affairs in collaboration with consumers, educators, providers and peers. The Guidelines are structured to meet or exceed the standards prepared by the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) and are aligned with the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) core competencies for peer support.
Minimum Training Standards, effective 1/1/2019
A total of 60 hours and include the following 13 domains and competencies as listed below:
Domain 1: Engagement
Domain 2: Support
Domain 3: Lived Experience
Domain 4: Personalizes Peer Support
Domain 5: Recovery Planning
Domain 6: Resources, Services & Supports
Domain 7: Health, Wellness & Recovery Skills
Domain 8: Crisis Management
Domain 9: Communication
Domain 10: Collaboration & Teamwork
Domain 11: Leadership & Advocacy
Domain 12: Professional Growth & Development
Domain 13: Ethics (Minimum 10 hours)
If you have any questions regarding the process, please email your questions to DHHS.PeerCertification@nebraska.gov, or call the OCA at (402) 471-7736.
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International CREDENTIALING & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC)
Peer Recovery (PR)
NOTE:
California does not have any certification requirements . California does not have a peer certification board
Therefore the following resources are for other states in the USA
The certification is administered on a jurisdiction level by an IC&RC Member Board. Each IC&RC Member Board has unique procedures, requirements, and documents – so specific questions about pursuing a Peer credential should be directed to your local board. You can find contact information for each IC&RC board, along with the IC&RC credentials offered, in our Member Board Directory.
Exam Preparation: IC&RC has developed a Candidate Guide for professionals preparing for the Peer Recovery Examination.
Recovery Changes Lives
“Many recovery community organizations have established recovery community centers where educational; advocacy and sober social activities are organized. Peer recovery support services are also offered in churches and other faith based institutions, recovery homes/sober housing. “ - U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, SAMHSA’s Center for Substance Abuse Treatment 2008 Report
Peer recovery is experiencing rapid growth, whether it is provided by a peer recovery coach, peer recovery support specialist, or peer recovery mentor. Peer support services - advocating, mentoring, educating, and navigating systems – are becoming an important component in recovery oriented systems of care. Sharing recovery experience is deeply rooted in the addiction field, but it is a newer concept in mental health.
Inclusion of peers with practical experience on teams with degreed clinicians is increasingly being emphasized by the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) - in both addiction and mental health settings. Outcomes include decreases in morbidity and mortality, as well as empowerment of service recipients.
Credentialing provides much-needed standardization to the rapidly growing profession of peer recovery support. Becoming credentialed demonstrates competency, by having professional expertise and qualifications verified by an independent evaluator. It recognizes achievement of a standard of ethics, education, and experience necessary to provide quality recovery support services.
The Peer Recovery (PR) credential is designed for individuals with personal, lived experience in their own recovery from addiction, mental illness, or co-occurring substance and mental disorders.
Candidate Guide
NOTE:
These resources are for other states in the USA
California does not have any certification requirements
Peer Certification legislation history
SB 10
SB 906
SB 214
National Overview of Peer Support Training & Certification
2016
University of Illinois at Chicago
The certified mental health peer specialist workforce is growing in the U.S. A peer specialist is an individual with lived experience who has initiated his/her own recovery, and assists others in theirs. As of 2016, all but 5 states have established programs to train and certify peer specialists, and 3 of the 5 are in the process of developing them. Click the map (or the link below it for accessible data) to learn:
whether the state has a peer training and certification program whether peer services are Medicaid-reimbursable the number of trained and certified peer specialists statewide a web site to learn more about that state’s peer training program (click on the state abbreviation to visit the web site).
CENTER ON INTEGRATED HEALTH CARE & SELF-DIRECTED RECOVERY
Dedicated to advancing knowledge and utilization of innovative models to promote health, recovery, and employment for people with mental health conditions.
GAO Report Nov 2018
" The Village" Long Beach CA (MHALA)
Mark Ragin on MHA Village
Psychology Today
On the future of mental health
...The Village was established in 1990 initially as a demonstration project funded by the California state legislature...They ( wanted us to “do whatever it took” including ACT teams, the clubhouse model, psychiatric rehabilitation, supported housing, education, and employment, integrated substance abuse services, family support, crisis services, and facilitate health care – all in one integrated, “one-stop shop” program. (MHALA websites at http://mhala.org)
... Administratively, we were integrated with capitated funding and quality of life outcome accountability. ( Successfully moving away from fee for service model) We soon found that the emerging recovery movement gave us the vision to integrate all those services into one welcoming, hopeful, vibrant program.
... Over time we’ve adapted our methods to other specialized populations including homeless people, high utilizers, repeatedly hospitalized people, jail diversion, poorly engaged people, transitional-aged youth, veterans, and medically fragile homeless people. We helped spread the model all around California where similar programs are called Full Service Partnerships. California’s voter’s passed proposition 63, the Mental Health Services Act, which taxes millionaires to spread recovery based programs throughout the state, especially FSPs.
... Back at the Village, MHALA has moved from a “static” “services of indefinite duration” model to a “flow” model where people move along a continuum of recovery based programs as they grow and recover...
...We designed the Milestones of Recovery (MORS) tool to track people’s recovery and promote flow...
... We believe in the recovery model of care. We believe that recovery isn’t something that can be done to someone. It is a process where people overcome the losses and destruction in their lives to rebuild themselves, their relationships and their roles in the community. Recovery is a path best traveled alongside a helpful guide or mentor..
The three major transformations in the recovery movement are:
1) Person-Centered: Moving from centering our efforts on the treatment of illnesses and the reduction of symptoms to a holistic service of people and the rebuilding of lives. This is needed to engage people
2) Client Driven/Collaboration: Moving from professional directed relationships emphasizing informed compliance with prescribed treatments to individualized relationships emphasizing empowerment and building people’s self-responsibility. This is needed to motivate and build skills
3) Strengths Based/Resilience: Building hope for recovery upon each person’s strengths, motivations, and learning from suffering rather than upon the competence of professionals and medications to reduce or eliminate the burden of their illnesses. This is needed to build self-reliance and move on from depending on professionals
MHALA BELIEVE …
1. Hope makes recovery possible; it facilitates healing of the mind, body and spirit.
2. Welcoming people includes creating a culture of acceptance with easily accessible integrated supports and services.
3. Focusing on the whole person includes their strengths and weakness, abilities and barriers, wounds and gifts.
4. Each person creates their path and determines the pace of their recovery.
5. The recovery process is a collaborative journey in support of individuals pursuing their life goals.
6. Relationships are developed through mutual respect and reciprocity, including openness to genuine emotional connections.
7. A solid foundation for recovery is built by helping people to honestly and responsibly deal with their mental illness, substance abuse and emotional difficulties.
8. People thrive, grow and gain the courage to seek change in respectful environments that promote self-responsibility.
9. The practical work of recovery takes place in the community.
10. Each person has the right to fair and just treatment in their community ensured through advocacy and social responsibility.
11. Everyone deserves the opportunity to have a place to call home.
12. Promoting natural supports, having fun and a sense of belonging enhances quality of life.
13. Employment and education are powerful means to help people build lives beyond their illness.
14. Program success is based on achieving quality of life and recovery outcomes.
Here’s a list of things I’ve ( Mark Ragin) seen people do that helps them recover. No one has to do all of them, and they don’t have to be done in any order, but if someone doesn’t do any of them, they’re unlikely to recover:
1. Talk to other people instead of isolating
2. Actively build security in your life – money to survive on, safe housing, and connections with family, friends, and spirituality
3. Actually feel feelings and emotions instead of deadening them, medicating them, avoiding them, or getting high
4. Learn some emotional coping skills
5. Learn to “use” medications instead of just “taking” medications
6. Engage (or re-engage) in activities that make you more fun and interesting
7. Take responsibility for your own life and make some changes in yourself
8. Go to work even when you’re not feeling well
9. Do things outside of being a mental patient and outside the mental health system
10. Improve physical health and wellness
11. Love other people – family, partners, kids
12. Work on acceptance and forgiveness instead of blaming and vengeance
13. Give back by helping others
14. Find meaning and blessings in suffering and reconnect with God and spirituality.
