Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Training

WELCOME

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of individuals navigating healthcare challenges? Med-Cal Peer Support Specialist Training equips you with the tools and knowledge to provide compassionate and effective support for individuals receiving services in order to regain control over their lives and their own unique recovery process.

OUR MISSION

Our goal is to support empowerment of individuals with the skills needed to create supportive, empathetic, and informed connections. Whether you aim to work in hospitals, clinics, community organizations, or private practice, this training provides the foundation to excel as a Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist.

WHAT IS MEDI-CAL PEER SUPPORT?

Medi-Cal Peer Support involves trained individuals offering emotional, social, and practical assistance to those dealing with:

  • Mental health challenges
  • Substance abuse recovery

By sharing lived experiences and evidence-based strategies, Peer Support Specialists foster hope and resilience while complementing professional healthcare services.

WHO SHOULD ENROLL?

Our program is open to:

  • Individuals with lived experience of mental health challenges and/or substance abuse
  • Family caregivers of those with lived experience of mental health challenges and/or substance abuse

No prior medical background is required, though a commitment to learning and supporting others is essential.

PROGRAM BENEFITS

Community Impact: Make a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and families

Personal Growth: Develop valuable communication, empathy and problem-solving skills

Flexible Learning: Choose from different time and date offerings via Zoom

WHY CHOOSE US?

Experienced Instructors: Learn from professionals with lived experience and many years in recovery and Peer Support

Comprehensive Curriculum: Our evidence-based program ensures you’re prepared for real-world challenges

Supportive Community: Join a network of like-minded individuals dedicated to fostering hope and healing

80 HOURS (14 WEEKS) OF TRAINING INCLUDES:

  • Active Listening
  • Emotional Literacy
  • Communication Skills
  • Ethics & Confidentiality
  • Boundaries & Self Care
  • Recovery & Resilience
  • Crisis Intervention & Suicide Prevention
  • Trauma Informed Practice
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Addiction & Harm Reduction
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Group Facilitation
  • Advocacy
  • Digital Literacy
  • Cultural Awareness
  • Conflict Resolution

OVERVIEW OF ASSIGNMENTS

  • Reading for Every Class
  • Ten Response Papers – 1 to 1 1/2 pages
  • Two Essays – 1 to 2 pages
  • Four Quizzes & One Final Exam
  • Class Participation and Role Play

UPCOMING TRAINING

April 4 – July 11, 2025

Via Zoom: Fridays, 6:00 to 8:00 pm; Saturdays, 12:00 to 4:00 pm.

HOW TO REGISTER

1. Confirm that you meet the following requirements:

  • 18 years or older
  • Access to reliable internet connection
  • Lived experience of mental health challenges, substance abuse or family caregivers of same
  • Living in recovering for at least six months
  • Agree to class participation and role play

2. Attend the MANDATORY Zoom Orientation on Wednesday February 26 or Monday, March 17, 5:30 to 6:30 pm

3. Schedule your in person readiness interview after attending Orientation

WE ARE CURRENTLY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR ALL COHORTS.

APPLY NOW

Questions? Contact Hope Rogers, Peer Education Instructor: Hope.Rogers@WestCountyServices.org; 707-565-7806

MORE ABOUT CALIFORNIA REGISTERED MEDI-CAL SUPPORT SPECIALISTS

Click the image below to learn more about becoming a registered Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist

ABOUT THE STATE EXAM

After completing the training you are eligible to take the state exam. Find out more about the state exam by clicking here.