Sonoma County, California 94952, United States

(707) 481-7965

(707) 481-7965

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Sonoma County Peer Council

Sonoma County Peer CouncilSonoma County Peer CouncilSonoma County Peer Council

A Diverse Collaborative Learning Community

A Diverse Collaborative Learning CommunityA Diverse Collaborative Learning Community

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

Zoom - https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/YOOiu7a4asQ7mRui-KRmlAM6IwQYLLDikh2TGnj2pt4SFQYzKoagH5hPa5ainMc.oO0T8NgMPqgOTL5C


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...

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SB 803 Resources

DHCS Staff Chart

DHCS Behavioral Health Information Notice

DHCS Behavioral Health Information Notice

  •  Behavioral Health Kelly Pfeifer Deputy Director 
  •  Jim Kooler Assist. Deputy Director 
  •  Community Services Marlies Perez Chief 
  •  Licensing & Certification Janelle Ito-Orille Chief 
  •  Medi-Cal Behavioral Health Marlies Perez Acting Chief 
  •  Behavioral Health Planning Council Jane Adcock Executive Officer 

DHCS Staff Chart

DHCS Behavioral Health Information Notice

DHCS Behavioral Health Information Notice

DHCS Behavioral Health Information Notice

 November 13, 2020 

Behavioral Health Information Notice 

No: 20-056 

Peer Support Services 

PURPOSE: The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is issuing this Behavioral Health Information Notice (BHIN) to clarify available funding sources and permissible expenditures for peer support services. 

REFERENCES: 

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services State Medicaid Directors Letter #07-011 

DHCS Information Notice 18-056 

DHCS Information Notice 17-040 

  •  California’s Medicaid Program 
  •  The Community Mental Health Services Block Grant 
  •  Mental Health Services Act 
  •  Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant 

Contact :  MHSA@dhcs.ca.gov for questions.  Marlies Perez, Chief Community Services Division 

Find out more

SB 803 Fact Sheet

DHCS Behavioral Health Information Notice

Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS)

 SB 803 Fact Sheet

  SB 803 Peers Press Release January 8 2020  

Letter signed by 40 agencies September 3 2020

SB 803

Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS)

Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS)

Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS)

 The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics does not collect data specifically on peer support specialists. Instead, it counts them among community health workers, of which 51,900 were employed in May 2016. The median annual wage for these workers was $37,330 in May 2016, about the same as the median annual wage of $37,040 for all workers. 

BLS

Steinberg Institute

Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS)

Steinberg Institute

Barbara Liebert

Darryl Steinberg

Maggie Merritt


Find out more

Senator Jim Beall

Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS)

Steinberg Institute

Sponsor of SB 803  Passed Sept 25 2020

SB 10  2019 Vetoed

SB 906 2018 vetoed

Find out more

California Mental Health Peer Run Organizations (CAMHPRO)

California Mental Health Peer Run Organizations (CAMHPRO)

California Mental Health Peer Run Organizations (CAMHPRO)

Co- Sponsor of the bill

Sally Zinman

Certification of Peer Support Specialists in California  WWT June 2014 (102 pages)  


CAMHPRO

Lived Experience, Advocacy and Diversity (LEAD)

California Mental Health Peer Run Organizations (CAMHPRO)

California Mental Health Peer Run Organizations (CAMHPRO)

Policy group of CAMHPRO 

Contact: Andrea Wagner 

 

CalMatters

California Mental Health Peer Run Organizations (CAMHPRO)

California Behavioral Health Directors Association (CBHDA)

 ‘I was looking for someone like me’ – Is peer counseling the answer

BY JOCELYN WIENER  SEPTEMBER 8, 2020


" Advocates say that, because there is no formal certification process for peers in California, organizations that serve people with mental illness here often have no way of billing Medi-Cal for many of the services peers provide. 


They also worry about a lack of uniform training, with significant variation among counties on what it takes to be a peer provider...."


Read more

California Behavioral Health Directors Association (CBHDA)

California Behavioral Health Directors Association (CBHDA)

California Behavioral Health Directors Association (CBHDA)

Elia Gallardo  Director of Governmental Affairs 

 Michelle Doty Cabrera, Executive Director 

CBHDA

California Behavioral Health Planning Council ( CBHPC)

California Behavioral Health Directors Association (CBHDA)

California Behavioral Health Planning Council ( CBHPC)

 The California Behavioral Health Planning Council (CBHPC) is a majority Consumer and Family member advisory body to state and local government, the Legislature, and residents of California on mental health services in California.  

Vision Mission and Guiding principles 

  • All Quarterly Meetings for fiscal year 2020-2021 will be conducted virtually. See our Quarterly Meetings page for more information.
  • The next Quarterly Meeting is scheduled for January 20-22, 2021.

DHCS - CBHPC

Optum Health

California Behavioral Health Directors Association (CBHDA)

California Behavioral Health Planning Council ( CBHPC)

 

Peer Support Services for Behavioral Health

Improving outcomes by fostering hope and empowering recovery

Our industry-leading peer services help people transition from treatment to daily life, build resiliency and reduce the need for readmission

Licensing and credentialing 


Find out more

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

 


National Practice Guidelines for Peer Supporters 

SAMHSA Working Definition of Recovery

(11 pages Last updated in 2011). 





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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

  1. Hope : A fundamental belief that people can grow, learn, change and have a better future
  2. Empowerment:  Creating opportunity for people to experience their own Having the sense of  capabilities and power
  3. Self-Responsibility: Setting one's own path, taking charge of one's own life and learning one's own lessons
  4. Meaningful Role: Having purpose and meaning beyond one's illness – GETTINGA LIFE!!

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Core Values

Peer Support Core Values

  1. Voluntary
  2. Hopeful
  3. Open minded
  4. Empathetic
  5. Respectful
  6. Facilitate change
  7. Honest and direct
  8. Mutual and reciprocal
  9. Equally shared power
  10. Strengths-focused
  11. Transparent
  12. Person-driven

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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  


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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.



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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)

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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 





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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 

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Latino Service Providers

Testemonios Project

 

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.


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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. 

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Digital / Online Peer Support

Digital Peer Training

Peer Support App data Base

Peer Support App data Base

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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. 

Find out more

Peer Support App data Base

Peer Support App data Base

Peer Support App data Base

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  •  Hey Peers 
  •  WeAreMore: My Support Network 
  •  What’s App 
  •  WRAP 
  •  Insight Timer 
  •  Stop, Breathe, Think 
  •  Sanvello 
  •  Headspace 
  • Calm


App Data base

Peer Education Resources

Core Competencies: SAMHSA

Core Competencies: SAMHSA

Core Competencies: SAMHSA

  Core Competencies 

SAMHSA—in conjunction with diverse subject matter experts—conducted research to identify core competencies for peer workers in behavioral health. The draft core competencies were posted online for public comment. The following document represents the final product of that process, which incorporated input from hundreds of people around the United States:


  • Core Competencies for Peer Workers in Behavioral Health Services – 2018 (PDF | 251 KB)


Access a list of frequently asked questions about core competencies for peer workers to learn more.

Core Competencies

Core Principles: SAMHSA

Core Competencies: SAMHSA

Core Competencies: SAMHSA

 Core Principles 

  • Recovery-oriented
  • Person-centered
  • Voluntary 
  • Relationship-focused 
  • Trauma-informed

Principles

Peer Supervision: SAMHSA

Core Competencies: SAMHSA

Peer Supervision: SAMHSA

Peer Supervision 


 From SAMHSA: Peer workers are emerging as important members of treatment teams. The “Supervision of Peer Workers TA Resource” (PDF | 702 KB) helps supervisors understand how to supervise peer workers in behavioral health services. 


The resource includes a slide deck (PDF | 9.1 MB), slide deck with trainer notes (PDF | 5.8 MB), one-page self-assessment tool for supervisors (PDF | 239 KB), and resources (PDF | 124 KB). 

Supervision

Doors to Wellbeing

Doors to Wellbeing

Peer Supervision: SAMHSA

Webinars 


Webinars

OSHPD - WET

Doors to Wellbeing

WISE University

MHSA OSHPD WET stakeholder meetings

( in person or webinar)

Dec 4 , 2019 1 pm -4 pm

 or 

Dec 17, 2019  1 pm -4 pm 

 

 2020-2025 Mental Health Services Act Workforce Education and Training Five-Year Plan  (Feb 2019)


Peer Grant awardees 2019/20

 

The next application cycle will open in 

January 2020. 


  •  Emotional Health Association SHARE!  
  •  Mental Health America of Northern California
  •  PRC  
  •  Crestwood  
  •  NAMI California  


Healthcare Workforce Development Division

2020 West El Camino Avenue, Suite 1222

Sacramento, CA 95833

(916) 326-3700

(916) 322-2588 Fax

www.oshpd.ca.gov


Find out more

WISE University

Doors to Wellbeing

WISE University

NorCalMHA

Workforce Integration Support and Education


WHAT IS WISE?


WISE, which stands for Workforce Integration Support and Education, is a new program of Cal Voices funded by the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD). 


Our goal is simple: to help employers in California’s public mental health system recruit and retain consumer and family member staff through genuine workforce integration.


 WISE University Fall 2020 Cohort is online!
Take the FREE Peer Support Academy on Zoom
October 19 - Nov 6th 2020

WISE U has integrated their in-person peer training cohort into an online course to accommodate social distancing guidelines, and to keep everybody healthy in these uncertain times 

The deadline for submitting your application for the Fall 2020 Cohort is:  8/16/2020

Can't join for Fall 2020 Cohort? WISE U hold four training academies each year. Apply anytime and receive notification when our next cohort is scheduled.

https://www.wiseup.work/wise-u

WISE

MHA National Peer Support Certification

MHA National Peer Support Certification

MHA National Peer Support Certification

 https://www.mhanational.org/national-certified-peer-specialist-ncps-certification-get-certified 

Find out more

CAMHPRO

MHA National Peer Support Certification

MHA National Peer Support Certification

  

CAMHPRO is currently providing Peer Specialist Core Competency Training (PSCCT) for eight (8) counties and community based agencies in six (6) superior region counties through an OSHPD Public Mental/Behavioral Health Workforce Retention contract. Stay tuned.

https://camhpro.org/peer-specialist-core-competency-training-pscct/


  

CAMHPRO

BestNow!

MHA National Peer Support Certification

BestNow!

 Alameda County; BestNow 

 BestNow! (Building Employment Strategies Through Networking on Wellness) provides leadership development, empowerment, job training, and support for people with mental health and/or substance use recovery experience who are interested in joining the behavioral health field as Peer Support Specialists within Alameda County.

 

Peer Specialist Training (7-week training and 6-month internship)

​​

The Peer Specialist Training  is specifically designed for people who identify as having mental health and/or substance use challenges who are interested in working in the behavioral health field as Peer Support Specialists. The training curriculum focuses on self-empowerment, self-determination, peer support, and vocational development.  The Peer Support Specialist Training is offered once per year.  Applicants attend an orientation session and receive information on how to apply at that time. 

bestnow@acnetmhc.org 

Bestnow!

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)

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 “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)

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"Peer support gives people a chance to be heard and understood. "

Sally Zinman

Keris Jän Myrick (R) with mentor Jackie McKinney (L)

Sally Zinman

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 “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).

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 “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).

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 “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

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  “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

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 "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. 

Share the big news

Maggie Merritt, Executive Director of the Steinberg Institute

County of Los Angeles Board of Supervisors

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 “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

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Hilda L. Solis

First District

 

Mark Ridley-Thomas

Second District

 

Sheila Kuehl

Third District

 

Janice Hahn

Fourth District

 

Kathryn Barger

Fifth District


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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