Welcome to Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Training
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 alcohol/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 Instructor: A professional 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) 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 – 1/2 to 1 page
- Two Essays – 1 to 2 pages
- Four Quizzes & One Final Exam
- Class Participation and Role Play
Questions?
Contact Alex Kennett, Program Manager, at alex.kennett@westcountyservices.org or call 707-565-7808.
More about California Registered Medi-Cal Peer 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: California Peer Certification Exam.