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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You are all warm, welcoming and so very helpful!  Thank you!!

My therapist is great!  Of all the therapists we've had over the years, she understands our family and kids the best.  Very helpful!

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Meeting with my therapist has been making my life and relationships a lot less stressful.

It is a very comfortable atmosphere.  Everyone is flexible and understanding!

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My therapist is a life saver! :-)

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

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Her thoughtfulness and her knowledge of helping people with depression is what I need to achieve my goals!

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Our counselor wanted to meet our entire family to find out how to better help our son.  She offered lots of suggestions and things to help us in the long term.

I am so thankful I was directed here!

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Everyone was very helpful.  I'm glad I called to get help!

My ARMHS staff is awesome!  She has helped me make progress in many areas of my life.  I have better relationships now.

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They gave me hope for the future.  Life saving.

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Resources

LCA Brochure

May 2024 Activities Calendar

June 2024 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