Peer-to-Peer Counseling Internship

Certified Vendor of CalMHSA

The Peer-to-Peer Counseling Internship program at Best Now! 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 training modules covering topics such as trauma-informed care, communication and advocacy skills, and ethical considerations in peer support services. Interns will also have access to ongoing supervision and support to ensure their success in the program.

Topics covered in this training include, but are not limited to, confidentiality, HIPAA, Protected Health Information, Mandated Reporting, and Dual Relationships. Register for our training here.

Crisis Support Programs

BestNow!

Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Training

BestNow! (Building Employment Strategies Through Networking on Wellness) is a peer-led organization that focuses on training Peer Support Specialists (PSS) to provide mental health and addiction support to individuals. 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.

  • Submit an online application, 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.
  • Complete a background check and provide three references.
  • 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 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.

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

  • 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
  • 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

Contact Us

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

bestnow@peerwellnesscollective.org
(559) 708-1993

What’s Included?

Free study sessions are available to participants who wish to prepare for the California Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Training Exam.

Completion of this training satisfies the six-hour continuing education credits required to be grandfathered in as a California Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist.

We offer Law & Ethics Training as part of our continued education services (we will have more soon!).

As part of our employment support services, we offer Resume and Cover Letter Support.

Job Board and Alumni Meetings are included as part of our Alumni Association Benefits.

These are one-on-one sessions with a certified peer support specialist to help with wellness, general goals, and recovery.

Participants will be placed at a community-based organization to gain job experience in the behavioral health field.

Have Questions About Our Training?

Learn How to Support Your Community

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.

Looking for a way to
support your community?