And other pathways to becoming a peer supporter

Why become a peer supporter?

Peer support offers a powerful way to transform your lived experience into hope and practical support for others. Whether you choose a volunteer role or professional career path, your unique perspective can make a profound difference in someone else’s recovery journey.

Important note: While becoming a certified peer specialist is the most common pathway to professional peer support roles, there are also opportunities to provide peer support through volunteer positions and community organizations that may not require formal certification.

Types of peer support roles

Peer supporters work in diverse settings with different populations:

  • Mental health peer specialists: Supporting people with mental health conditions
  • Recovery coaches: Focusing on substance use recovery
  • Forensic peer specialists: Working with people with mental health conditions within the criminal justice system
  • Youth peer supporters: Connecting with young people experiencing mental health challenges
  • Veterans peer specialists: Supporting fellow veterans in recovery
  • Family peer advocates: Helping families navigate mental health systems

Note: Some states have separate certifications for mental health peer support vs. substance use recovery support. Check with your state for specific requirements.

How to become a peer support specialist

1. Reflect on your personal experience

Before pursuing peer support work, consider:

  • Where you are in your own recovery journey
  • Your readiness to share your experiences to benefit others
  • Your comfort with navigating systems you may have experienced as a service recipient

2. Explore requirements, training, and certification

Nearly all states (49 states and the District of Columbia) have training and certification programs for peer support specialists. Research what’s required in your area:

Certification varies across the U.S. Requirements typically include:

  • A certain amount of hours of specialized training
  • High school diploma or equivalent (in most states)
  • Lived experience with mental health conditions, substance use, or both
  • Demonstrated time in recovery (typically 1-2 years)

Others may also require:

  • Passing a certification exam
  • Practicum or supervised work experience hours
  • Application and fee payment (financial assistance may be available)

Generally, if you live in a state with a peer specialist certification, you will need to be certified to work as a peer specialist in roles that bill Medicaid or other insurance.

3. Connect with existing programs

Build your experience and network:

  • Join local peer support networks
  • Attend recovery community events
  • Connect with certified peer specialists for mentorship
  • Volunteer with mental health organizations
  • Participate in advocacy initiatives