Certified Peer Specialists

Tennessee Certified Peer Specialist Program

The peer support model is fostered in Tennessee through the Peer Specialist Certification Program administered by the Department of Mental Health's Office of Consumer Affairs. Peer Certification also expands professional employment opportunities for consumers by enabling peers to obtain employment from TennCare (Medicaid) providers.

A Tennessee Certified Peer Specialist has self-identified as a person who has been diagnosed with a mental illness or co-occurring disorder of mental illness and substance abuse and who has successfully navigated the service system to access the treatment and resources necessary to build personal recovery and success with his or her life goals. This individual undergoes training recognized by the Tennessee Department of Mental Health on how to assist other persons with mental illness in fostering their own wellness, based on the principles of self-directed recovery. The Certified Peer Specialist promotes self-determination, personal responsibility and empowerment inherent in self-directed recovery and assists others who are diagnosed with mental illness or co-occurring disorders to achieve control over their own recovery process.

Under the general supervision of a mental health professional, a Certified Peer Specialist may perform a wide range of direct peer-to-peer support services. Each Certified Peer Specialist has the ability to serve as an advocate, life coach, or mentor; develop community support; assist in the development of rehabilitation goals; facilitate for resolution of issues a peer is unable to resolve on his or her own; or provide education on the importance of maintaining personal wellness and recovery.

Certified Peer Specialists

  • Deliver unique services in the mental health system
  •  
  • Provide Medicaid-billable services through provider agencies
     
  • Assist service recipients by promoting self-directed recovery goals
     
  • Function as life coaches, advocates, teachers and group facilitators
     

Principles of Peer Support

  • Identification and Empathy
  • Recovery and Resiliency Modeling
  • Personal Responsibility
  • Instill Hope - “I’m doing it. So can you!”

Certified Peer Specialists are not qualified to diagnose an illness, prescribe medication, or provide clinical services.
Click here for more information on the Tennessee Certified Peer Specialist program.