Peer Wellness Specialist training:

The role of the Peer Wellness Specialist is to provide peer support, encouragement, and assistance to address physical and mental health needs. In order to do that, it is important that the Peer Wellness Specialist have a working knowledge of the various health care and wellness resources in their community and how to access these services and resources.

Being a Peer Wellness Specialist does not require a diagnosis - it is based on personal lived experience and identity. Lived experience is a key part of the Peer Wellness Specialist role and training. As a PWS, we draw from our own background and experience to support others in their self-directed recovery.

This training is composed of mandatory 80-hours of virtual and in-person class-room instruction and some out-of-class assignments. Once completed, this training qualifies a participant to apply for the Peer Wellness Specialist certification, as well as the Certified Recovery Mentor certification.

credentialing:

MHAAO's PWS is state-approved as a Peer Wellness Specialist (Adult Mental Health, Addiction or Both) certification training through the Oregon Health Authority. The PWS is also approved through the Mental Health and Addiction Certification Board of Oregon as a Certified Recovery Mentor eligible training.

Our training is credentialed through Mental Health America as a National Certified Peer Specialist-approved training. Additionally, we hold certification from NADAAC, the association for addiction professionals, as continuing education training.

While typically 10 of the 20 total CEU hours need to be in-person for a THW renewal application, that requirement is currently waived due to COVID-19. All 20 CEUs can be online and the renewal would still be valid.  

2025 Cohorts:

We will be offering in-person and virtual training options.

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registration:

What is Required:

Video and audio capabilities are required, in addition to a stable internet connection to access the online training format.

Full attendance is required in order to successfully complete this course. Training participants will not be eligible to become certified as a Peer Wellness Specialist until all course completion requirements are met.

How to Register:

Limited spaces are available! Complete applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please note that applicants who have not secured funding for the training will not be considered complete.

At times, due to high interest, we are not able to accept every applicant into a training (including applicants who have applied for previous waitlists). 

MHAAO is mindful of class size to ensure all students get the attention and support necessary to succeed in the training without compromising quality.

The cost of the training is $1,100, effective as of 8/1/2021.

Payment and refund Policy: 

Tuition payment (or a commitment to pay as outlined below)  is required to secure registration. MHAAO accepts credit cards and business or personal checks. Payment may be made online, over the phone, or as otherwise coordinated. 

A 3.5% processing fee may apply for payments made via credit card.

Self-Paying Individuals: Payment in full is to be received by the first day of training.

Organizations Funding an Individual: Payment is to be received by the first day of training. If payment is not received by the first day of training, a commitment to pay before the first day of training is required via email, purchase order, or Authorization for Purchase.

Refund Policy: All cancellations must be received in writing to Director of Training and Outreach two weeks prior to the first day of the training. If cancellation is requested before two weeks prior to the start of the training, you will receive a full refund. If received after the two-week deadline and before two business days prior to training commencement, you may use your full training credit towards a future MHAAO training within a one-year period. Refunds or credit will not be offered for cancellations received at or after two (2) business days prior to training start.