Alabama

Requirements:

Must be a person with lived experience of mental illness or substance use disorder. Requires completing an approved training program.

Peer Support Specialist types

Certified Mental Health Youth Peer Specialist (CMHYPS)
Certified Mental Health Adult Peer Specialist (CMHAPS)
Mental Health Parent Peer Support Specialist (MHPPSS)

What is a Certified Recovery Support Specialist?
A person living in recovery with a substance use disorder working within an agency or organization who has been trained and certified by the Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH) to use their personal recovery story to assist others in developing their personal plan for recovery.

Qualifications to Become a Certified Recovery Support Peer Specialist:

Have a minimum of two (2) years of continuous demonstrated recovery time from a substance use disorder at the date of application.
Willing to self-identify as a person in recovery for the benefit of others.
High school diploma or GED.
Possess a valid driver’s license.
Two (2) written references that attest to appropriateness for certification.
40 hours of ADMH-approved Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) training.
Pass the exam with a minimum score of 70.

Continuing Education Requirements: