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Peer Support Specialist Careers

Peer support specialist school programs

You use your lived experience with mental health or recovery to support others through encouragement, advocacy, and connection to resources.

Training: High school diploma or equivalent plus state-approved peer support training/certification.
Time to start: A few months to 1 year.
Next steps: Explore certification programs, connect with local peer organizations such as recovery learning communities or young adult access centers, and apply for entry-level support roles.

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School programs

William James College – Behavioral Health Service Corps

Provides workforce development and hands-on behavioral health training opportunities for individuals entering community-based behavioral health careers.

  • Pre-requisite education: High school diploma or equivalent typically required.

  • Estimated time to finish: Several weeks to 1 year, depending on program pathway.

  • Typical application months: Rolling throughout the year

Learn More about William James College – Behavioral Health Service Corps

Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts – Public Health and Community Health

Offers community health and preventive health education focused on supporting wellness and connecting people to care and services.

  • Pre-requisite education: High school diploma or equivalent for undergraduate admission.

  • Estimated time to finish: Approximately 4 years for a bachelor’s degree.

  • Typical application months: November–March

Learn More about Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts – Public Health and Community Health

University of Massachusetts Amherst – Community Health Education

Offers public and community health programs that prepare students to support behavioral health and wellness initiatives.

  • Pre-requisite education: Bachelor’s degree typically required for graduate-level programs.

  • Estimated time to finish: 2–3 years for most graduate programs.

Learn More about University of Massachusetts Amherst – Community Health Education

Worcester State University – Community Health Program

Provides community health and counseling-related education focused on advocacy, outreach, and service coordination.

  • Pre-requisite education: High school diploma or equivalent for undergraduate programs; bachelor’s degree for graduate programs.

  • Estimated time to finish: 4 years for bachelor’s programs; 2–3 years for graduate programs.

Learn More about Worcester State University – Community Health Program

Northern Essex Community College (NECC): Human Services Program

NECC offers an Associate in Science in Human Services as well as certificate programs for Peer Recovery Specialists, Alcohol and Drug Counseling, Children's Behavioral Health, and Senior Care. 

  • Pre-requisite education for all: High school diploma or equivalent
  • Estimated time to finish: 2-3 years for Associate’s program; 1-2 years for Certifications.
  • Typical application months: Rolling throughout the year

Learn More about Northern Essex Community College (NECC): Human Services Program

Certification and training programs

Kiva Centers Certified Peer Specialist Trainings

Kiva Centers offers a foundational workshop (pre-certification), a core Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) certification course, and trainings and tools for expanding expertise beyond the CPS certification. 

Learn More about Kiva Centers Certified Peer Specialist Trainings

International Peer Support

Intentional Peer Support (IPS) offers introductions to peer support, a core IPS training, and several specialized peer support courses. 

Learn More about International Peer Support

Wildflower Alliance - Training for Change

The Wildflower Alliance training team offers public trainings in peer support as well as training friends, families, organizations, and communities.

Learn More about Wildflower Alliance - Training for Change

Northern Essex Community College: Human Services Program

NECC offers certificate programs for Peer Recovery Specialists, Alcohol and Drug Counseling, Children's Behavioral Health, and Senior Care. 

  • Pre-requisite education for all: High school diploma or equivalent
  • Estimated time to finish: 1-2 years
  • Typical application months: Rolling throughout the year

Learn More about Northern Essex Community College: Human Services Program

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