Training & Certification
Recovery Resource Council provides ongoing training and certification programs for Certified Mental Health and Recovery Support Peer Specialists in Texas. Anyone who completes the Council’s peer specialist training will be eligible to apply for the state certification.
The Council is committed to training excellence. Trainings are interactive, informative, and led by an experienced Peer Support Specialist, certified as a Trainer of Trainers. For additional information and the steps to get started, visit Texas Health and Human Services or email James Tapscott at [email protected].
Training Schedule
Core Curriculum
The Peer Specialist Core Curriculum is a 3-day facilitated and interactive webinar developed as an introduction for peer specialists in substance use disorder recovery, mental health recovery, and family partner support communities.
You must register at least one week prior to the next scheduled training. There will be a short knowledge assessment at the end of the Core training. Once you complete and pass the knowledge assessment you will be able to register for the supplemental training as a Recovery Support Peer Specialist (RSPS) or Mental Health Peer Specialist (MHPS).
Oct 16 – 18, 2024
January 15 – 17, 2025
April 16 – 18, 2025
July 16 – 18, 2025
October 15 – 17, 2025
Recovery Support Peer Specialist (RSPS)
The Recovery Support Peer Specialist (RSPS) course consists of a 6 hour pre-training webinar followed by a 5-day, 40-hour classroom style training that prepares people with lived experience in substance use disorder recovery to provide peer support services to individuals with substance use disorders.
You must complete and pass the Core training prior to registering for the RSPS course. You must register at least one week prior to the next scheduled training.
At the end of the RSPS training, you will get an email with a link to take an online knowledge assessment. Once you complete and pass the knowledge assessment you will receive instructions for downloading and printing a confirmation that you have successfully completed all the steps in the training process. You will need this document to apply for state certification.
Nov 11 – 15, 2024
February 17 – 21, 2025
May 12 – 16, 2025
August 18 – 22, 2025
November 17 – 21, 2025
Mental Health Peer Specialist (MHPS)
The Mental Health Peer Specialist (MHPS) course is a 5-day, 40-hour classroom style training that prepares people with lived experience in mental health recovery to provide peer support services to individuals with mental health concerns.
You must complete and pass the Core training prior to registering for the MHPS course. You must register at least one week prior to the next scheduled training.
At the end of the MHPS training, you will get an email with a link to take an online knowledge assessment. Once you complete and pass the knowledge assessment you will receive instructions for downloading and printing a confirmation that you have successfully completed all the steps in the training process. You will need this document to apply for state certification.
Dec 16 – 20, 2024
March 17 – 21, 2025
June 16 – 20, 2025
September 15 – 19, 2025
December 8 – 12, 2025
Final Steps
Once you have completed the necessary trainings, you are well on your way to becoming a Certified Peer!
- Refer to the Texas Certification Board for information on how to apply, what documentation is needed, and the cost. The initial certification is valid for six months.
- During this six-month period, you will need to complete 250 hours of supervision with a Peer Specialist Supervisor, which typically takes place once a week. Visit the Texas Health and Human Services Commision for more information.
- Apply to Recovery Resource Council’s Peer Supervision Program. The cost is $400 and limited vouchers are available.
Peer-Interns applying for a voucher must meet the following criteria:
- Does not currently hold a Texas Peer Certification (MHPS, RSPS, PSS, CFP, JI-RPS).
- Has been approved by the Texas Certification Board to begin logging supervision and work experience hours.
- Is currently working full-time, part-time, or in a volunteer capacity where they can obtain work experience hours toward their certification. The peer must have a site in place at the time of their application submission.
- Does not have access to an onsite Peer Specialist Supervisor.