What is a Certified Peer Specialist?

LCA News and Information

A Certified Peer Specialist works within the ARMHS Program to compliment the mental health services provided by Practitioners.

Requirements for Certified Peer Specialists

To be employed as a Certified Peer Specialist (CPS), an individual must meet all of the following criteria:

  • Must be at least 21 years old.
  • Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • A CPS must have or have had a primary diagnosis of mental illness.
  • Have received or is currently receiving mental health services.
  • Be willing to share their experience of recovery.
  • Successfully complete the Department approved Certified Peer Specialist training and certification exam.

What does a Certified Peer Specialist Do?A Certified Peer Specialist performs education and skill-building, including but not limited to the following:

  • Wellness planning
  • Crisis planning
  • Advanced Psychiatric Directives
  • Self-advocacy skills including connecting to professional services when appropriate

Services that help recipients to do the following:

  •  Identify their strengths and to use their strengths to reach their treatment goals.
  • Identify and overcome barriers to participation in community resources.

Connect with resources, including:

  • Visiting community resources to assist them in becoming familiar with potential opportunities
  • Teaching and modeling the skills needed to successfully utilize community resources

Building relationships and encouraging community-based activities, such as:

  • Work
  • Relationships
  • Physical activity
  • Self-directed hobbies
  • Transition to Community Living (TCL) services when working for a certified Adult Rehabilitative Mental Health Service (ARMHS) provider.

More Information about becoming a Certified Peer Specialist

For more information about becoming a Certified Peer Specialist or to learn more about the upcoming training, call Shawn at 218-366-9229.

 

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My son and daughter are making steps toward our family goals!

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My therapist is a life saver! :-)

The receptionist staff have been amazing.  They are friendly and caring.  You can tell they enjoy their job.

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Greatly appreciate having the option of Christian Counseling and being able to filter issues through that lens!

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Resources

LCA Brochure

April Cottage Activities Calendar

Community Resource List 1.8.24

All Forms and Downloads

Office Hours

Park Rapids Office

  • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
    8:00 to 5:00
  • Wednesday
    8:00 to 7:00
  • Friday
    8:00 to 1:00

Bemidji Office

  • Monday – Thursday
    8:00 to 5:00
  • Friday
    8:00 to 12:00

Menahga Office

  • Open by appointment

LCA offices may be closed over the noon hour. 

Important Numbers

Park Rapids Office Phone:
218-366-9229

Bemidji Office Phone:
218-444-2233

Menahga Office Phone:
218-564-9229

LCA Fax Number (all offices):

218-237-2520

24-Hour Crisis Line:
800-422-0045

LCA News and Information