Mental Health Peer Specialist
Training Program

SERVICES

Use your own lived experience with mental health challenges and recovery to become a mental health peer support worker in the human services sector. Complete an internship with NYC Well, Institute for Community Living or one of our other program partners.

Help others overcome similar challenges:

  • model behavior
  • teach skills
  • offer support
  • work with clients to develop and carry out recovery plans

Work in a variety of settings:

  • inpatient/outpatient facilities
  • substance abuse facilities
  • incarceration diversion programs
  • mandated recovery programs
  • supportive housing
  • community centers
  • child welfare agencies and others

Gain the knowledge, skills and emotional literacy needed to become employed in the mental health peer support field:

  • 8-month program:
    • 3 months of classroom instruction, including digital skills training and provisional New York State peer specialist certification prep
    • 3 month/125+ hour internship with an employer partner
    • 2 months of job placement assistance

Full scholarships are available for eligible applicants. Program completers will receive a stipend for completing the training and internship portions as well as gaining employment in the field.

This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling 1.6 million dollars. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.

PARTNERS

HOW TO APPLY

Please email MHPeerSpecialist@lagcc.cuny.edu to begin the application process and for details about upcoming information sessions.

Eligibility

  • Interest in working as a mental health peer support worker
  • 18+ years old with “lived experience” with mental health challenges and recovery
  • Available full-time for approximately 8 months
  • Able to attend classes both online and in-person
  • Legally eligible to work in the U.S.
  • Able to show proof of full COVID vaccination
  • Valid (not expired) NY State ID or driver license
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Reliable WiFi service
  • Ready and willing to work upon course and internship completion
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