Sonoma County, California 94952, United States
Department of Health Care Services (DHCS)
Peer Support Services
In September of 2020, Senate Bill (SB) 803 (Beall, Chapter 150, Statues of 2020) was chaptered, requiring DHCS to seek federal approval to establish Peer Specialist as a provider type and to provide distinct peer support services under the SMHS and DMC-ODS programs. While services provided by peers can currently be claimed under the provider type "other qualified provider" within the SMHS program, and recovery services provided by peers can be claimed within the DMC-ODS programs, DHCS is proposing to add peers as a unique provider type within specific reimbursable services and to allow counties to opt-in to provide this valuable resource. By July 1, 2021, DHCS will determine the peer certification standards in alignment with the provisions SB 803 (Beall, Chapter 150, Statutes of 2020), and in accordance within CMS' guidance, have the new benefit in place by January 1, 2022.
Announcements
Peer Providers and Federal Authorities
This document contains a preliminary approach to Peer Support Specialists in the SMHS and DMC-ODS programs. Comments on the preliminary approach will be accepted through Friday, January 29, 2020. Feedback may be submitted to the DHCS inbox: Peers@dhcs.ca.gov.
Peer Support Specialist Listening Session #1 - Friday, January 22, 2021, 10 a.m. - noon
- Peer Support Listening Session #1 Agenda
- Peer Support Listening Session #1 Powerpoint Slides
- Peer Support Listening Session #1 Feedback Summary
Peer Support Specialist Listening Session #2 - Tuesday, March 2, 2021, 1 - 3 p.m.
Resources
Frequently Asked Questions on Peer Support Specialists
BHIN 20-056 Peer Support Services: Available Funding Sources
Senate Bill 803: Mental Health Services: Peer Support Specialist Certification
Contact Us
Questions and comments may be submitted by email to Peers@dhcs.ca.gov.
This inbox is targeted to questions and comments related to the implementation of SB 803. For general inquiries regarding existing peer support services, trainings, or other resources please contact your local county mental health plan.
RECORDING : webinar: SB 803 passed- What now?
10/26 LEAD SB803 Zoom Recording
RECORDING: 10/26 LEAD SB803 Zoom Recording
Video link:
Youtube - https://youtu.be/0PKy-KTyNhs
CAMHPRO: LEAD Webinar - SB803 Passes: What Now?!
What is Covered & Next Steps for Peer Certification in California Web Meeting
10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Oct. 26, 2020
Get answers to your questions, and learn what the next steps are going to be, from policymakers and advocates who contributed to the establishment of California's first Peer Certification program.
Sally Zinman of CAMHPRO
Response Panel:
Elia Gallardo, CBHDA
Keris Myrick, L.A. County DMH
Steinberg Institute (invited)
Next Steps:
Richard Krzyzanowski,
Public Policy Committee Chair
To Register https://us02web.zoom.us/.../tZwodOyurTwpH9fSYgV8WZDy2dLUC...
CAMHPRO SB 803 Implementation Workgroups
CAMHPRO Workgroups have been meeting to discuss in depth each of the tasks allocated to DHCS. Each workgroup has met 5-6 times and have written reports summitted to DHCS with the peer perspective, insights and concerns. If you would like to know more group facilitators are listed below.
CAMHPRO LEAD Contact: Andrea Wagner lead.camhpro@gmail.com
Group 0: Curriculum and Core Competencies and Code of Ethics: Contact: Karin Lettau/PAL, klettau7@gmail.com
Group 1: Define qualifications, responsibilities, practice guidelines and supervision standards Contact: Robyn.gantsweg@disabilityrightsca.org
Group 2: Statewide Requirements for Certification for Counties Contact:TBD
Group 3 Training Requirements: Contact : Carol West sonomacountypeercouncil@gmail.com
Group 4 State and Federal Waiver Process Contact: TBD
Group 5 Reciprocity transferring across county and state lines Ronald Shaw, shaw.ron1@gmail.com
Group 6 Process for initial certification and renewal Kellie Jack, kjack@co.humboldt.ca.us
Group 7 Code of ethics Contact: Karin Lettau/PAL, klettau7@gmail.com
Group 8 Process for oversight and accountability Jason Robison, Jason@shareselfhelp.org
Group 9 Continuing education requirements for biennial renewal Kellie Jack, kjack@co.humboldt.ca.us
Group 10 Grandfathering In Contact :Sally Zinman, sallyzinman@gmail.com
Peer Certification Document Library
Core Competencies Curriculum
Peer Workforce Committee Agenda 11.3.20
Peer Workforce Committee Meeting Notes 10.6.20
Peer Standard Sources & Timelines 9.24.20
PSS Training Content Outline by Section Draft 7
PSS Addendum Values & Code of Ethics One-Pager Draft 7
Code of Ethics Working Well together (WWT) 2014
Core Competencies For Peer Workers SAMHSA 2018
Peer Specialist Training & Certification Programs
Peer Support Specialist data base Copeland
SAMHSA Working Definition of Recovery
(11 pages Last updated in 2011).
RECOVERY
William Anthony
Defining Recovery
"Recovery is a deeply personal, unique process of changing one's attitudes, values, feelings, goals,
skills and/or roles. It is a way of living a satisfying, hopeful, and contributing life even with limitations caused by the illness. Recovery involves the development of new meaning and purpose in one's life as one grows beyond the catastrophic effects of mental illness.”
William Anthony, Director of the Boston Center for
Psychiatric Rehabilitation 1993.
4 Components of Recovery
- Hope : A fundamental belief that people can grow, learn, change and have a better future
- Empowerment: Creating opportunity for people to experience their own Having the sense of capabilities and power
- Self-Responsibility: Setting one's own path, taking charge of one's own life and learning one's own lessons
- Meaningful Role: Having purpose and meaning beyond one's illness – GETTINGA LIFE!!
Core Values
Peer Support Core Values
- Voluntary
- Hopeful
- Open minded
- Empathetic
- Respectful
- Facilitate change
- Honest and direct
- Mutual and reciprocal
- Equally shared power
- Strengths-focused
- Transparent
- Person-driven
National Ethical Guidelines and Practice Standards National
(11pages) iNAPS
"Recovery is a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential. "
~~SAMHSA Working Definition of Recovery (Last updated in 2011)
The belief that recovery is possible for all who experience psychiatric, traumatic, or substance use challenges is fundamental to the practice of peer support. The likelihood of long-term recovery is increased with effective support. Peer support has been demonstrated through research and practical application to be highly effective.
2012: The National Association of Peer Specialists in collaboration with SAMHSA convened an inclusive process to establish standards for practice.
1000 peer specialists participated via: website solicitations, newsletter and email, focus groups, surveys, informalgatherings and literature review.
In addition to a value-based product, the guidelines will be framed in a human rights context. Next is a passage from the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Quality Rights tool kit.
"In many countries, the quality of care in both inpatient and outpatient facilities is poor or even harmful and can actively hinder recovery. The treatment provided is often intended to keep people and their
conditions ‘under control’ rather than to enhance their autonomy and improve their quality of life. People are seen as ‘objects of treatment’ rather than human beings with the same rights and entitlements as everybody else. They are not consulted on their care or recovery plans, in many cases receiving treatment against their wishes."
In addition to the SAMHSA Working Definition and Guiding Principles of Recovery, the following core values have been ratified by peer supporters across the country as the core ethical guidelines for peer support practice:
1. Peer support is voluntary
2. Peer supporters are hopeful
3. Peer supports are open minded
4. Peer supporters are empathetic
5. Peer supports are respectful
6. Peer supporters facilitate change
7. Peer supporters are honest and direct
8. Peer support is mutual and reciprocal
9. Peer support is equally shared power
10. Peer support is strengths-focused
11. Peer support is transparent
12. Peer support is person-driven
Person Centered Language
Dr. Wally Kisthardt PhD, LSW
A person gets excited: with a patient it is manic.
A person has concerns: with a patient it is panic.
A person is expressive: a patient is histrionic.
A person can get better: while a patient is often chronic.
A person may get angry: a patient becomes agitated.
A person is a creative thinker: a patients thoughts are not related.
A person may be sad: a patient is depressed.
A person may be childlike: a patient is regressed.
A person may be cautious: with a patient it is guarded.
A person may change her mind: a patient must finish what she started.
A person may try to influence: a patient manipulates.
A person gets a second opinion: a patient triangulates.
A person is an activist: a patient is antisocial.
A person is a visionary: a patient is delusional.
A person lives in a home: a patient in a facility.
A person has much strength: a patient has a disability.
Sonoma county Peer Support Specialist Training
Application Deadline November 27th 2019 - Starts January 7 , 2020
Coming Soon! Coming Soon! Coming Soon! Coming Soon!
Peer Support Specialist Certification Training
Earn a Certificate in Peer Support!!
Coursework Includes:
- Active Listening & Emotional Literacy
- Communication Skills
- Cultural Responsiveness
- Ethics & Confidentiality
- Boundaries & Self-Care
- Facing Trauma & Addiction
- Recovery & Resilience
- Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention
- Peer Advocacy & System Transformation
All students must be adults who identify as having experienced mental health challenges
Applications DUE BY November 27th, 2019
Class Times: Tuesday (10am-12), Thursday (10am-12) and Friday (10am-1pm)
For more information and/or an application please contact: Kate Roberge
Peer Education & Training: 2245 Challenger Way, Santa Rosa, CA; (707) 483-7425;
Kate.roberge@westcountyservices.org
Class Dates: January 7th, 2020 to April 7th, 2020
A program of West County Community Services
INFORMATION LETTER
Free Peer Support Specialist Certification Training
The new Peer Support Specialist Certification Program Training will be offered Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10:00am to 12:00pm, January 7th, 2020 to April 7th, 2020. This training program has been developed to prepare peers with lived mental health experience for Peer Support Specialist Certification in Sonoma County. (Peer support specialists are also known as mental health consumer advocates, peer providers, peer counselors, peer mentors, peer navigators, and peer advocates.) Classes will be held at the Wellness and Advocacy Center, 2245 Challenger Way, Santa Rosa, CA. 95407, Suite 104. All students who register for the program must be or become members of the Wellness and Advocacy Center. The only requirement to join the Center is to be a peer with lived mental health experience.
Special Note:
- It is essential that the application be thoroughly and thoughtfully completed. The applicants who express their interest in mental health recovery, their commitment to the learning process, and the personal strengths that might help them become effective peer support specialists, will then be invited to interview for inclusion in the training. Those selected for the program will be asked to commit to attending and actively participating in all sessions, completing all homework, and participating in additional class activities. Some of the material covered may be challenging and participants are expected to seek out additional support as needed.
The Peer Support Specialist Training is offered free of charge. Students have the option either to purchase a textbook or borrow one for the duration of the class. (Limited scholarship funding may be available for those who cannot afford to purchase the book.)
Paper and email applications for the upcoming session are currently available. The deadline to turn in applications is Wednesday, November 27th, 2019. However, it is recommended that applications be submitted as early as possible so that we may start interviewing potential students right away. Completed applications may be dropped off at the Wellness and Advocacy Center or Interlink Self Help Center (1033 4th Street, Santa Rosa), mailed to the Challenger Way address (see above), or emailed to
To receive an application by mail or email, or for further information, please
Contact: Kate Roberge at Kate.roberge@westcountyservices.org or (707) 483-7425.
Application required plus interview
The last day to apply is November 27th 2019
The class begins January 7th, 2020 - April 7, 2020
Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10:00am to 12:00pm,
CONTACT : (707) 483-7425.
Kate Roberge, Program Manager
Kate.roberge@westcountyservices.org
Peer Education and Training Program
West County Community Services (WCCS)
Bay Area Workforce Colaborative, CASRA and Project Return
ONLINE: Peer Provider Training Nov -Dec 2020
Description Join CASRA (California Association of Social Rehabilitation Agencies) and PRPSN (Project Return Peer Support Network) for this 18-hour highly interactive training for peers working in the public mental health system. The main goal is to provide training on the essential skills, knowledge and values that will enhance a peer’s ability to be successful in the service of others. The training topics are drawn from SAMHSA’s Core Competencies for Peer Workers in Behavioral Health, stakeholder input through the Working Well Together Collaborative, and iNAPS (International Association of Peer Supporters) 12 Core Practices of Peer Providers. Trainers will offer skills-training that equips peer providers working in a variety of settings: county behavioral health teams, community-based agencies or peer provided services agencies.
Upon completion of this training participants will learn practical application of the core concepts, value-based practices and fundamental skills in the following areas:
• History of the Consumer Movement
• The Expansive Role of a Peer Provider
• Culture and Worldview
• 12 Core Practices of Peer Supporters
• Effective ways to Self-Disclose
• Recovery, Wellness, Resiliency
• Effective Listening Skills
• Boundaries and Ethics Decision Making Process
• Whole Person Care
• Harm Reduction
• Trauma-Informed Care
• Self-Care as a Provider
Dates and Times
November 9, 16, 23, 30 and
December 7 and 14 9:00 am – 12:30 pm Online
Participants will be sent a Zoom link/phone number prior to the first session. Factors to Consider When Selecting Participants
• Consider peer participants who have desire, ability, and willingness to participate in the CASRA training. It is preferable to have participants who might want to be trainers at a later date.
• Select peers who are likely to be committed to your organization.
We understand that it is not always known how long any individual will work at an agency, but do consider those who are more likely to remain and/or contribute to your organization/community. Trainers from CASRA
Debra Brasher, MS, CPRP
Guyton Colantuono, NCPS
Registration/Contact Information
Contact Debra Brasher to register by October 30. debra@casra.org
For more information about CASRA check out their website at www.casra.org
Intentional Peer Support - Shery Mead
Intentional Peer Support
3 Principles
- From helping to learning together
- From a focus on the individual to a focus on relationships
- Move from fear towards hope and possibility
4 Tasks
- Connect
- Worldview
- Mutual Respect
- Moving Forward
Latino Service Providers
Testemonios Project
Latino Service Providers Testimonios Project provides paid internships to up to 20 young bilingual bicultural students (ages 16-25) who are interested in sociology, psychology, counseling or any mental health career.
The goal of the Testimonis Project is to reduce mental health stigma, engage and educate the Latinx community on mental health issues and resources, and inspire the future mental health workforce. The required commitment is a minimum of ONE YEAR. June 2019 - May 2020
Latino Service Providers
930 Shiloh Rd., Bldg. 40, Ste. A
Windsor, CA 95492
Contact : Guadalupe Navarro admin@latinoserviceproviders.org
The Testimonios Project, a project funded by the CA Office of Health Equity, California Reducing Disparities Project seeks to address the behavioral and mental health needs of the Latino community within Sonoma County.
Doors to Welbeing Data BAse Peer Support Training
The Peer Specialist Database
Are you curious about what Peer Support Certification looks like from one state to the next?
After conducting surveys in every state during the Spring and Summer of 2020, Doors to Wellbeing, in collaboration with Live & Learn Inc., is pleased to publicly reveal that we've updated and enhanced our Peer Specialist Database with current state specific information regarding Peer Support trainings.
This database includes:
- Peer Specialist Certification Process and Training Information
- Medicaid Eligibility of Peer Services
- Statewide Peer Specialist Organizations
- Peer Support Conferences
- Requirements for Peer Support Supervisors
- Helpful Websites and Resources
Additionally, This database is uniquely designed to conduct side-by-side comparisons from your choice of states and specific database information.
Digital / Online Peer Support
Digital Peer Training
Peer Support App data Base
Peer Support App data Base
https://digitalpeersupport.org/co-production-framework/
We are a team from diverse disciplines and life experiences working together to advance the science of digital peer support. Our mission is to replace the traditional patient role with co-produced digital peer support programs that promote collaboration, engagement, shared decision-making, principles of reciprocal relationships, co-learning, partnership, trust, transparency, and honesty. Click here for details on the Peer and Academic Partnership.
Peer Support App data Base
Peer Support App data Base
Peer Support App data Base
Peer Support Quotes
Keris Jän Myrick (R) with mentor Jackie McKinney (L)
Keris Jän Myrick (R) with mentor Jackie McKinney (L)
Keris Jän Myrick (R) with mentor Jackie McKinney (L)
“I was looking for someone like me,”
“We have been through crises. We have been through hell and back. And we use those experiences to help others.”
Peter Murphy
Keris Jän Myrick (R) with mentor Jackie McKinney (L)
Keris Jän Myrick (R) with mentor Jackie McKinney (L)
"Peer support gives people a chance to be heard and understood. "
Sally Zinman
Keris Jän Myrick (R) with mentor Jackie McKinney (L)
Sally Zinman
“It is time that peers are validated as an essential and professional part of the behavioral health workforce,”
Sally Zinman, Executive Director of California Association of Mental Health Peer Run Organizations (CAMHPRO).
Official Endosements of peer support
Michelle Doty Cabrera - executive director (CBHDA).
Michelle Doty Cabrera - executive director (CBHDA).
Michelle Doty Cabrera - executive director (CBHDA).
“California has an important opportunity to deliver quality, cost-effective, evidence-based mental health services and add diversity to our mental health workforce by certifying Peer Support Specialists,”
“While California faces a severe shortage of mental health professionals needed to serve our diverse communities, the specific services delivered by trained, supervised peers have shown to improve client outcomes and reduce costs at the same time. But California can only realize these benefits for our mental health clients in Medi-Cal if we join the 48 states that have already recognized the effectiveness of Peer Support Services through certification."
Michelle Doty Cabrera, executive director of the County Behavioral Health Directors Association of California (CBHDA).
Senator Jim Beall
Michelle Doty Cabrera - executive director (CBHDA).
Michelle Doty Cabrera - executive director (CBHDA).
“Statewide certification of Peer Support Specialists will save the State money while improving mental health outcomes. The Governor and I have the same goals- help people and use our resources wisely. SB 803 will improve our system in an ongoing, sustainable way.”
Dr. Jonathan Sherin, Director of BH LA
Michelle Doty Cabrera - executive director (CBHDA).
Maggie Merritt, Executive Director of the Steinberg Institute
“LA County looks to expand upon and professionalize its peer support programs in a sustainable manner which will not be possible until we secure statewide certification and a reliable reimbursement mechanism.
Leveraging lived experience through peer support is critical to the service transformation we need in California.
The State must make the most of every resource available to address our mental health crisis; recognizing Peer Support Specialists statewide will be a wise investment.”
Dr. Jonathan Sherin, Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health
Maggie Merritt, Executive Director of the Steinberg Institute
Maggie Merritt, Executive Director of the Steinberg Institute
Maggie Merritt, Executive Director of the Steinberg Institute
"Research demonstrates that the utilization of qualified peer support specialists has measurable benefits to clients including reduced hospitalizations, improved functioning, and alleviation of depression and other symptoms. The time has come for California to embrace peer support as an evidence-based model and put in place a certification program that will standardize best practices”
Maggie Merritt, Executive Director of the Steinberg Institute, a Sacramento-based non-profit mental health public policy institute.
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Maggie Merritt, Executive Director of the Steinberg Institute
County of Los Angeles Board of Supervisors
“California has an important opportunity to deliver quality, cost-effective, evidence-based mental health services and add diversity to our mental health workforce by certifying Peer Support Specialists,”
“While California faces a severe shortage of mental health professionals needed to serve our diverse communities, the specific services delivered by trained, supervised peers have shown to improve client outcomes and reduce costs at the same time. But California can only realize these benefits for our mental health clients in Medi-Cal if we join the 48 states that have already recognized the effectiveness of Peer Support Services through certification."
Michelle Doty Cabrera, executive director of the County Behavioral Health Directors Association of California (CBHDA).
County of Los Angeles Board of Supervisors
Maggie Merritt, Executive Director of the Steinberg Institute
County of Los Angeles Board of Supervisors
Mental Health Parity Resources
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National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors (NAMHPD)
The Crisis Now partners have created this website to provide all communities a roadmap to safe, effective crisis care that diverts people in distress from the emergency department and jail by developing a continuum of crisis care services that match people’s clinical needs. This reduces and prevents suicides while providing more immediate and targeted help for a person in distress. Also, it cuts the costs of care by reducing the need for psychiatric hospital bed usage, emergency department visits, and law enforcement overuse.
Who are we?
Crisis Now is led by the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors (NASMHPD) and developed with the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, the National Council for Behavioral Health, and RI International.
Reach out to us at info@crisisnow.com.
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