Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification Training
Register Now to Become a Certified Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist!
Parents Anonymous Inc. is approved by the California Mental Health Services Authority (CalMHSA) to provide Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification training. This training prepares you to take the California State Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification Examination and become a Certified Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist.
The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) defines a Certified Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist as an individual at least 18 years old who has experience with the process of recovery from mental illness, substance use disorder, or both—either as a consumer of these services or as the parent, caregiver, or family member of a consumer—and has been granted certification under a county Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist certification program.
To complete the application for registration, you will need to provide:
✔ Proof of age (driver’s license, state ID, or birth certificate) showing you will be at least 18 years old before taking the Certification Exam.
✔ Proof of education (high school diploma, transcript, GED, college diploma, or equivalent degree).
If you need guidance on meeting these requirements, Parents Anonymous Inc. can help provide resources and support.
For details on the schedule, scholarships, participation requirements, or the placement program, contact us at training@parentsanonymous.org or call/text 909-515-8930.
Why Consider Becoming a Certified Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist?
California needs Peer Support Specialists to strengthen the behavioral health workforce and provide effective support for individuals navigating personal challenges. Government agencies, health care providers, and community organizations recognize their vital role in delivering essential services.
The statewide certification of Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialists may open new opportunities across California, allowing certified individuals to contribute within Medi-Cal-covered services and advance their careers in behavioral health. Our program helps meet this demand by equipping participants with valuable knowledge, skills, and experience for meaningful roles in the field.
Parents Anonymous® Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification Training
The Parents Anonymous® Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification Training prepares individuals for state certification and meaningful employment. The program equips participants with essential skills and knowledge to succeed as Peer Support Specialists, whether in paid positions or volunteer roles. Our training consists of:
✔ 80-hour curriculum (per DHCS requirements)
✔ Delivered via Zoom and Canvas for flexible learning
✔ Multiple schedule options: morning, afternoon, evening, and self-paced asynchronous sessions
Organizations may also choose alternative schedules and teaching methods to accommodate different needs.
Click Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification to view all CalMHSA Certification requirements. The curriculum covers 17 core competencies required by DHCS:
- The concepts of hope, recovery, and wellness
- The role of advocacy
- The role of consumers and family members
- Psychiatric rehabilitation skills and service delivery, and addiction recovery principles, including defined practices
- Cultural and structural competence trainings
- Trauma-informed care
- Group facilitation skills
- Self-awareness and self-care
- Co-occurring disorders of mental health and substance use
- Conflict resolution
- Professional boundaries and ethics
- Preparation for employment opportunities, including study and test-taking skills, application, and resume preparation, interviewing, and other potential requirements for employment
- Safety and crisis planning
- Navigation of and referral to, other services
- Documentation skills and standards
- Confidentiality
- Digital literacy
The training includes interactive workshops, group discussions, quizzes, and role-playing exercises to ensure a comprehensive learning experience. Participants must attend all sessions and complete all assignments—including passing quizzes and practical assessments—to successfully complete the course.
Tuition & Schedule
The course tuition is $2,500, which is not charged until your registration application is approved. Payment may be made by credit or debit card. If your organization is covering the cost, please include your organization’s details in the application.
Currently, Parents Anonymous® Inc. offers full-tuition scholarships and test-fee coverage for individuals who qualify for assistance. We also provide placement and supportive services through the Parents Anonymous® Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification Training and Placement Program. For more information on scholarships and the placement program, please contact us at training@parentsanonymous.org or 909-515-8930.
*Can extend up to 90 days with approval
Thank you for considering the Parents Anonymous® Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification Training program!
We would be honored to have you train with us to become certified. We’re committed to working with you to overcome any obstacles and, if you qualify, to help you find employment. If you have any questions, please email training@parentsanonymous.org or call/text (909) 515-8930.