Mississippi’s Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) Training is an intensive, 34-hour course followed by a written exam. CPSSs are individuals who self-identify as a family member or an individual who received or is currently receiving mental health services. Upon completion of the training, successfully passing the CPSS examinations, and obtaining employment by a DMH certified provider, participants become Certified Peer Support Specialists. The training and certification process prepares CPSSs to promote hope, personal responsibility, empowerment, education, and self-determination in the communities in which they serve.
Over time, the CPSS program has expanded with additional designations - Parent/Caregiver designation was developed in conjunction with Mississippi Families as Allies, the Youth and Young Adult designation was developed with NAMI Mississippi, and a designation of CPSS-Recovery was developed throughout 2020 for adults with lived experience of substance use disorder.
Mississippi held five CPSS Trainings in FY20. During the year, six young people participated in the CPSS Young Adult training, which was developed in conjunction with NAMI Mississippi. Also in FY20, a total of 33 Parent/Caregiver designations were received. DMH also continues to use CPSS Ambassadors to support CPSSs and educate interested stakeholders about peer support. FY20 was the first year to utilize CPSS Ambassadors to support CPSSs upon hire and provide individualized support for up to six months. At the end of FY20, there were 271 CPSSs (actively employed) in Mississippi.
For more information, visit www.dmh.ms.gov/peer-support-services.
21 окт 2024
