Mental Health America (MHA) announced the creation of the MHA National Certified Peer Specialist (NCPS) credential. The certification allows those with the “lived experience, training, and job experience” to work along-side health care teams, and aims to create career paths and opportunities for peer supporters.
MHA notes that the MHA NCPS credential does not make the peer a clinician, nor is it designed to replace current certifications. It is intended to build upon and enhance current programs by adding additional competencies with the goal of increasing opportunities for peers to work along-side private-setting healthcare professionals
Certification requires 18 months of documented experience, in-depth knowledge of the six domains of practice (foundations of peer support; foundations of health care systems; mentoring, shared learning, and relationship building; activation and self-management; advocacy; and personal and ethical responsibilities); prior state certification requiring a minimum of 40 hours of training or completion of a MHA-approved training and employment in a peer role; and passing a moderated examination.
See more at MHA’s website.