The Office of Mental Health is currently paying for all initial certification fees for eligible candidates to earn their New York Certified Peer Specialist (NYCPS) certification.

Peer specialists help others in recovery with a mental health condition or major life disruption.  In order to earn the NYCPS one must complete a free training, agree to the NYPSCB Code of Ethical Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures, complete at least 2000 hours of peer specialist experience under supervision, submit three references and apply for the certification.  Peer Specialists are individuals who are themselves in recovery from a mental health condition or major life disruption and have shown to provide support to others in their recovery process.

Peer specialists help others in recovery by assisting them the tasks of managing daily skills for healthy living, helping them stay motivated through social and emotional support, linking them to clinical care and community resources, and by offering long-term, proactive support.  

Earning the NYCPS can assist individuals with securing meaningful employment and may qualify them to bill Medicaid.

We recommend that if you are interested in earning your NYCPS that you first review the application, You can also review information on the certification on the NY Peer Specialists website or call 518-426-0945.  You can begin your training by clicking here, then click on the login button, and create a new account. Their training platform has very high-quality. We would also strongly suggest speaking to other peer specialists about their work to see if it's a good fit for you.