A complete, organized summary of all publicly available curricula, certification pathways, requirements, and resources from PeerAcademy.org
Peer Academy is a Texas-based organization dedicated to training and certifying individuals with lived experience in mental health challenges or substance use recovery as Peer Specialists. Their mission is to transform personal recovery stories into professional strengths, enabling participants to pursue state-recognized certifications for meaningful careers in behavioral health, criminal justice, veterans’ services, community programs, and more.
All training is delivered 100% online via Zoom with flexible scheduling options. The organization emphasizes accessibility through generous scholarships (often covering 100% of costs), ongoing support including supervision and continuing education units (CEUs), and a supportive community of certified facilitators who have their own lived experience.
Uses personal lived experience of recovery to instill hope, provide empathy, and walk alongside others on their self-defined recovery journey. Not therapy or clinical treatment.
Helps individuals navigate complex systems (behavioral health, criminal justice, housing, benefits), advocates for their rights and choices, and connects them to community resources.
Focuses on mutual respect, shared responsibility, and honoring the person's autonomy and dignity of risk. Emphasizes "power with" rather than "power over."
| Program | Focus | Duration | Cost | Prerequisites | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core Training | Foundational peer support principles, ethics, communication | 24 hrs 3 days |
$300 | Orientation + Self-Attestation + Eligibility criteria | Everyone starting the journey. Required before MHPS or RSPS. |
| MHPS Supplemental | Mental health peer support, crisis, advocacy, group facilitation | 40 hrs 5 days |
$800 | Core Training + Orientation | Lived experience with mental health challenges. Leads to MHPS certification. |
| RSPS Supplemental | Substance use recovery, harm reduction, multiple pathways, recovery capital | 40 hrs 5 days (often weekends) |
$800 | Core Training + Orientation | Lived experience with substance use. Leads to RSPS certification. Dual possible. |
| PSS Training | Supervising peer specialists, role clarity, recovery-oriented leadership | 16 hrs 2 days |
$300 | Professional quals (QCC/LPHA/QMHP/QPS) OR 2–4 yrs peer experience + degree/GED | Current or aspiring supervisors of peer specialists. Organizational leaders. |
Scholarships available for all programs — many participants complete training at no cost.
24 hours • 3 days • Prerequisite for all specialized certifications
The foundational 24-hour training that equips individuals with lived experience to begin their journey as peer professionals. It covers the core principles, ethics, communication skills, trauma-informed approaches, and the unique role of peer support distinct from clinical services.
Core Training is the essential first step. It establishes the philosophical foundation (recovery as self-determined, dignity of risk, person-centered) before layering on specialized mental health or recovery support skills.
40 hours • 5 days • Mental Health Peer Specialist Certification
Builds directly on Core Training. Focuses on mental health-specific skills: purposeful storysharing, crisis support, trauma-informed care, group facilitation, advocacy within mental health systems, and maintaining professional boundaries and wellness.
40 hours • 5 days • Recovery Support Peer Specialist Certification
Equips those with substance use recovery experience to support others across multiple pathways to recovery. Strong emphasis on harm reduction, recovery capital, stages of change, non-stigmatizing language, and avoiding the sponsor role.
16 hours • 2 days • Peer Specialist Supervisor Certification
Designed for behavioral health professionals who want to effectively supervise peer specialists. Covers role clarity, championing recovery-oriented practices, ethical supervision, supporting professional growth, and organizational change.
Typical timeline: 6–12 months from starting Core Training to full state certification (including 250 supervised hours).
Peer specialists work in a wide variety of settings. Certifications are based on your lived experience. Dual MHPS + RSPS certification is supported when appropriate.
Need-based scholarships available covering up to 100% of training costs (Core, MHPS, RSPS, PSS), supervision fees, and CEU programs. Many students complete training for free.
Required for full certification. Choose from:
Required for 2-year recertification. Options include:
Based on the official Orientation & Self-Attestation. Check the boxes that apply to you. This is for personal reflection only.
Take the official "Find Your Path" quiz or start your application directly on the Peer Academy website. Scholarships are available — don't let cost be a barrier.