Click Here to access our calendar for Peer Operated Happenings in your Area.

Click Here to go to our forum and join in on Peer to Peer Discussions.

Related Links

CPS Code of Ethics

CPS Brochure

Applications for Fall Classes:

Self Assessment You will need to reference your answers to this on the CPS app. (This is for your use alone and does not have to be submitted with your application)

and

Application Form w/ reference template

CPS 2010 and 2011 Application

(This form needs to be downloaded and submitted)



For an article about the increasing roles for certified peer specialists featured in the Department of Mental Health newsletter Perspectives Click Here

Certified Peer Specialists

For application follow the link link to the right of this page.

For the CPS Frequently Asked Questions Click Here

CPS Upcoming Classes

CPS Code of Ethics

OCTOBER 2010
Framingham and
Acushnet(S.E. area)
Spring 2011 *TENATIVELY held in Springfield and Fitchburg
For application follow the link link to the right of this page.

To Sign up for Applicant Interviews-Please email cps@transformation-center.org with your choice of interview date and if you want a morning or afternoon interview time.
The Following Interview Dates


9/1/2010 Morning & Afternoon
9/7/2010 Morning & Afternoon

 will be held at the
Central Mass. RLC 91 Stafford Street, Worcester, MA 01603

For the CPS Frequently Asked Questions Click Here
CPS Code of Ethics
CPS Upcoming Classes
CPS 2010 and 2011 Application

This spring, two classes completed the classroom training portion of the Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) program. They were facilitated by The Transformation Center and funded by the Department of Mental Health. The CPS training took place in Brockton and in Lawrence over a time span of 9 weeks. The training had over 50 participants and focused on training peer specialists to provide paid peer support to other peers, to carry the message of hope, and to utilize and promote effective recovery oriented practices in their work. Read the the full article Here

Developing a Quality Peer Workforce

Many people with lived experience of mental illness find helping others is a way to enhance their own recovery, and find that role very rewarding. One avenue to engage in peer mentoring is to become a Certified Peer Specialist (CPS). The CPS training prepares people to work in the mental health system. The CPS training course is an 8-10 day training that teaches people how to use their “recovery story” to facilitate hope and belief in recovery for people who both use services and provide mental health services. Participants also learn specific skills to help others engage and thrive in the process of change and recovery. CPS training participants receive their certification after passing both an oral and written examination.

The Transformation Center is working with the DMH, DPH and other state partners to broaden the impact of CPS & Peer Services within the mental health field in a number of ways, including:

  • Advocating for dedicated funding for CPS positions in DMH facilities & other mental health agencies
  • Advocating for Medicaid reimbursement for CPS services within and beyond mental health agencies
  • Requesting funding and support for continuing education for advanced study in supervision, trauma, veterans issues, etc.

Several Transformation Center staff are active members of many state and national boards and subcommittees that impact policy regarding peer inclusion in the work force such as TransCom, Massachusetts Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association (MassPRA), the United States Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association (USPRA), the Massachusetts State Documentation Pilot project (MSDP), The Friends Committee, Massachusetts Behavioral Health Partnership (MBHP) Consumer Advisory Council, etc. Through these efforts, we hope to see the role of peers in the mental health workforce expand dramatically over the next five years.

Sample Modules:

Role of the Certified Peer Specialist (CPS)
Dissatisfaction as an Avenue for Change
Effective Listening Skills
Power, Conflict & Integrity
Cultural Competence
Health Care Disparities
Facing our Fears
The Five Stages of Change
Psychiatric Rehabilitation
WRAP
Recovery Dialogues
Code of Ethics

  • Dedicated funding for CPS positions in DMH facilities & other mental health agencies
  • Medicaid reimbursement for CPS services within and beyond mental health agencies
  • Continuing education for advanced study in supervision, trauma, veterans issues, etc.

Contact:

Lyn Legere
Certified Peer Specialist Program
The Transformation Center
98 Magazine Street
Roxbury, MA 02118
617-442-4111
Toll Free 1-877-769-7693
lynl@transformation-center.org