Peer Support Specialists

SBHC offers a state-approved curriculum developed by Appalachian Consulting Group and the USU CPSS Training Program. This is a 40-hour in-person training held at our office located at 474 W 200 N, 2nd Floor, St. George, UT 84770. The cost is covered by the Mental Health Block Grant and the Office of Substance Use and Mental Health.

Upcoming training

*Only confirmed attendees will be admitted

• September 16-20, 2024

Completed training

• March 18-22, 2024
• June 10-14, 2024

The objective of USARA’s CPSS (Certified Peer Support Specialist) training is to facilitate each participant’s progress toward mastery-level competence as a Peer Support Specialist. By the end of the week long CPSS Training, trainees will have the information and tools to:

• Empower and uplift Peers to identify their own pathway in recovery and build a life grounded in success and forward momentum
• Confidently deliver Peer Support services within a team of addiction, mental health &/or social service providers
• Fulfill a role that is valued by yourself, the peers with whom you engage, and your employer
• Describe your newly acquired Peer Support knowledge and skills
• Identify your Peer Support development goals and tasks for progressing toward a mastery level of competence
• Engage a network of peers to build communities of recovery and engage in efforts that promote the Peer/Recovery Movement & Peer Workforce Development

Upcoming training

*Only confirmed attendees will be admitted

• November 4 - 8, 2024
• January 27-31, 2025
• April 7 - 11, 2025
• August 4 - 8, 2025
• October 13 - 17, 2025 (*date subject to change)

Completed training

• February 5 - 9, 2024
• May 6 - 9, 2024
• August 12 - 16, 2024

USU offers a state-approved curriculum based on Appalachian Consulting Group’s (ACG) nationally recognized peer support training, with an added substance use disorder component. The purpose of all USU trainings is to enlarge Utah’s behavioral health workforce, while introducing integrated health care into all peer support services. To make the training accessible, USU uses a mix of state and federal funds to cover the cost of the training and offers two formats.

USU hybrid training

This training includes a combination of distance-education, online learning modules, and a 2-day face-to-face training. This program is ideal for rural and/or working individuals who would like to become a peer support specialist, but are not able to manage costs, travel, and time for a 5-day in-person training.

The hybrid training is structured as:

One broadcast class, introduction to class cohort, and 4-hour training. 20 hours of online instruction—self-paced completed within a 3-week period. 16 hours of in-person intensive learning held 3 weeks after initial broadcast class.

Training content:

This program contains 40 hours of training and cover understanding the state mental health system, a shift toward a recovery mindset, problem-solving and facing fears, effective listening, motivational interviewing, trauma-informed services, shared decision making, cultural humility, ethics, and many other topics.

For a limited time, USU has federal funding to support internships, apprenticeships, and professional development college courses.

Upcoming training

*Only confirmed attendees will be admitted

Hybrid

• Orientation: September 13, 2024
  • Training continues in person: October 4 - 5, 2024
• Orientation: October 21, 2024
  • Training continues in person: November 8 - 9, 2024

Upcoming training

*Only confirmed attendees will be admitted

• October 28, 2024 - November 1, 2024

Completed training

• February 26 - March 1  - Live Virtual Training
• April 29 - May 3 - Live Virtual Training
• August 12 - 16, 2024

Please contact [email protected] for questions about the training.