Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Training

Certified Vendor of CalMHSA

Our Peer Support Specialist 80-hour training program, part of our BestNow! program, allows participants to become certified as a Peer Support Specialist in California. Participants will learn to engage with our peer values, including meeting each person where they are, using our personal experiences to support our peers, and encouraging individuals to self-advocate and find their own solutions. Best Now! is a certified training vendor of California Mental Health Services Authority (CalMHSA).

*Acceptance in the training program is not automatic. Applicants will be informed whether or not they are accepted into the training program.

Upcoming Training Sessions

BestNow!

Fall

Sep 5 – 28, 2023

Apply by August 25th

CLOSED

Winter

Nov 6 – Dec 1, 2023

Apply by October 27th

Summer

May 6 – 30, 2024

Apply by April 26th

Opening Soon

BestNow!

Building Employment Strategies through Networking on Wellness

Discover BestNow! (Building Employment Strategies Through Networking on Wellness), your energetic springboard to a meaningful career in the behavioral health field! As a dynamic program designed to transform lives, BestNow! fuels your leadership potential and strengthens your unique voice. Our program focuses on training Peer Support Specialists (PSS) to provide mental health and addiction support to individuals. We’re not just about professional development but empowerment, unity, and growth. BestNow! is a certified training vendor of CalMHSA.

This peer support group training program is for community members who have personal experience with mental health and/or substance use challenges.

The Best Now! Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Training program is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to become certified Peer Support Specialists. Best Now’s Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Training program offers an 80-hour live online course facilitated in a virtual classroom 80-hour live online course facilitated in a virtual classroom over the course of four weeks, Monday – Thursday, from 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm. Led by experienced Peer Support Specialists and mental health professionals, the program covers a range of topics, including mental health and addiction recovery, trauma-informed care, and communication and advocacy skills.

  • Medi-Cal PSS Law & Ethics Training
  • PSS Continuing Education Unit Trainings
  • Peer-to-Peer Counseling Internships
  • California Peer Support Specialist Exam Preparation

Contact Us

Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm
8105 Edgewater Dr, Ste #100,
Oakland, CA 94621

bestnow@peerwellnesscollective.org
(559) 708-1993

Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Training

Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Training transforms personal mental health and/or substance use recovery experiences into powerful tools for helping others. This immersive program equips participants with the practical skills and empathy needed to support peers on their recovery journeys, preparing them for rewarding careers in the behavioral health field.

Best Now’s Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Training program offers an 80-hour live online course facilitated in a virtual classroom over the course of four weeks, Monday – Thursday, from 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in interactive discussions, role-playing exercises, and real-world experiences. The online format allows for flexibility and convenience, and participants will be able to connect with others from across the state who share their passion for peer support services.

The training is led by experienced Peer Support Specialists and mental health professionals and covers a wide range of topics, including mental health and addiction recovery, trauma-informed care, and communication and advocacy skills.

  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Possess a high school diploma or equivalent degree
  • Self-identify as having experience with the process of recovery from a mental illness or substance use disorder, either as a consumer of these services or as the parent, caregiver or family member of a consumer
  • Be willing to share your experience
  • Have a strong dedication to recovery
  • Must complete all 80 hours of training
  • Must know why you want to do peer support work within California’s public mental health system

  • Complete and submit the training application
  • Participate in a mandatory Information Webinar

*Acceptance in the training program is not automatic. Applicants will be informed whether or not they are accepted into the training program.

Summer
July 3 – 26, 2023
Closed

Fall
September 5 – 28, 2023
Apply by August 25th
Apply for Fall

Winter
November 6 – December 1, 2023
Apply by October 27th
Apply for Winter

Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Law & Ethics Training

This specialized training has been tailored to meet the unique needs of Peer Support Specialists working within the Medi-Cal system. The training offers an in-depth exploration of laws and ethical standards applicable to the critical work of Peer Support Specialists. Topics will cover areas such as confidentiality, informed consent, mandated reporting, professional boundaries, cultural competency, and more. These essential skills and knowledge can support specialists in providing compassionate, ethical, and legally sound assistance to those they serve.

The Medi-Cal PSS Law & Ethics Training is open to both new and experienced Peer Support Specialists. Whether you are just starting your journey in this field or looking to update your knowledge and skills, this training will be an invaluable resource.

Summer
July 21, 2023 – Closed
August 18, 2023 – Closed

Fall
September 15, 2023
October 20, 2023

Winter
November 17, 2023
December 15, 2023

Continuing Education Unit (CEU) Trainings

One of the great advantages of this training is its fulfillment of the 6-hour Continuing Education Units (CEUs) requirement for Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialists in California. This means that by completing this training, participants will satisfy a significant portion of their ongoing professional development obligations. Rest assured that our training programs are thoroughly vetted and recognized for their quality and relevance.

For enrollment in our PSS Continuing Education Units program, applicants must have completed initial Peer Support Specialist training and be actively working in the field. This requirement ensures participants have a foundational understanding and practical experience to further enhance through our CEU program.

This commitment to ongoing professional development enables us to offer a program that is both meaningful and effective in enriching your role as a Peer Support Specialist.

Law & Ethics
July 21, 2023 – Closed
August 18, 2023 – Closed

Self-Awareness & Self-Care
August 15, 2023 – Closed

Abstinence & Harm-Reduction
November 17, 2023
December 15, 2023

Peer-to-Peer Counseling Internship

The Peer-to-Peer Counseling Internship program at BestNow! provides individuals with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in peer support services. Interns will work alongside experienced Peer Support Specialists to provide support to individuals in mental health and addiction recovery.

The program includes trauma-informed care, communication and advocacy skills, and ethical considerations in peer support services. Intern will also have access to ongoing supervision and support to ensure their success in the program. This program is an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in pursuing a career in mental health and addiction recovery to gain real-world experience and make a positive impact in their communities.

INTERNSHIPS ARE FOR STUDENTS WHO ARE CURRENTLY ENROLLED IN AN 80-HOUR TRAINING OR IS A BESTNOW! ALUMNI.

  • Completion of the Peer Support Specialist training program or equivalent training/experience
  • At least 18 years of age
  • Availability to commit to the internship program for a minimum of 3-6 months
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Passion for mental health and addiction recovery and commitment to the principles of peer support
  • Willingness to participate in ongoing training and supervision

INTERNSHIPS ARE FOR STUDENTS WHO ARE CURRENTLY ENROLLED IN AN 80-HOUR TRAINING OR IS A BESTNOW! ALUMNI.

  • Submit an online application through the Best Now website, including a resume and cover letter outlining your interest in the program and relevant experience.
  • Participate in a phone or video interview with a member of the Best Now team to discuss your qualifications and interest in the program.
  • Attend a mandatory orientation and training session to prepare for the internship program.
  • Sign a volunteer agreement and commit to participating in the program for a minimum of 3 to 6 months.
  • Begin the internship program, working alongside an experienced Medi-Cal Certified Peer Support Specialist to provide support to individuals in mental health and addiction recovery.
  • Participate in ongoing training and supervision to ensure program success and continue developing skills and knowledge in peer support services.

California Peer Support Specialist Exam Preparation

We encourage anyone preparing for the certification exam to take advantage of these study sessions as a valuable resource in their journey towards becoming a certified Peer Support Specialist. These group study sessions are designed to equip those preparing to take the Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist certification exam with the knowledge and confidence they need to succeed. They’ll offer a comprehensive review of critical topics, an opportunity to practice with sample questions and a forum for discussion and query resolution with experienced professionals.

  • Completion of the Peer Support Specialist training program or equivalent training/experience
  • At least 18 years of age

August
August 11, 2023 – Closed

September
September 8, 2023

October
October 13, 2023

November
November 10, 2023

December
December 8, 2023

A young man holds his hands together in front of his face and looks at the camera with a serious expression

Need Peer Support?

Peer-to-Peer Counseling is a service provided by trained Peer Support Specialists who have lived experience with mental health and addiction recovery. This service offers individuals a safe and supportive environment to share their struggles and receive non-judgmental guidance and encouragement from someone who has been through similar experiences. Peer Support Specialists provide emotional support, assist with setting goals, and connect individuals with resources in the community.

Contact Us

Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm
8105 Edgewater Dr, Ste #100,
Oakland, CA 94621

peer2peer@peerwellnesscollective.org
(559) 708-1993

Community Services

In the Bay Area

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Community Support

We offer a variety of helpful peer support groups as well as housing support resources, including programs like the Berkeley Drop-In Center, Reaching Across, Reach Out, and the Tenant Support Program (TSP).

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Crisis
Support

Our crisis services are for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. Use of our respite room is included, located in the Berkeley Drop-In Center. Crisis response is available from 9am-4pm, Monday-Friday.

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Peer Support Training

Our Peer Support Specialist 80-hour training program, part of our BestNow! program, allows participants to become certified as a Peer Support Specialist in California while learning to engage with our peer values.

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