Peer Academy programs for individuals
In addition to our Texas state certification training programs, we offer comprehensive programs designed to enhance the careers of Peer Specialists.
None of these training are required to become a Peer Specialist, but each of them can help you into the career field. Best of all, they’re all free to you and include stipends, if you’re accepted into the programs.
Here are our current programs for individuals:
For Aspiring Peers
Enhanced Mental Health Peer Specialist (MHPS)
$3,500 stipend to you
(for full program completion)
Designed for people interested in starting a career, but who have not been trained.
Our Enhanced MHPS program provides you access to our existing MHPS training (Supplemental components), as well as support before and after training to help you learn about different work environments. We’ll also provide additional learning modules and support as you go through the certification process. This program concludes when you’ve successfully received your provisional (6-month) Texas Mental Health Peer Specialist (MHPS) and completed all of the training.
Requirements
Complete Core Training At Peer Academy
Achieve Peer Academy Performance Standards by actively participating and remaining engaged throughout the training
Letter of Recommendation*
*From someone who can act as a reference on your behalf
Has not previously enrolled in, or is not currently participating in, any other Peer Academy program*
*Including Peer Academy Career Enhancement (PACE) Track I and II
Features
Approximate length: 12 weeks
Texas MHPS Supplemental (40 hour) training
Pre-career assessment profile
Access to Certified Peers to help you navigate the certification process
Access to workshops for scenario and role-playing based-learning
Access to site rotations to see multiple types Peer work environments
For Certified Peers
Peer Academy Career Enhancement (PACE) Track I
$5,000 stipend to you
(for full program completion)
Limited to Peers that received MHPS training through our organization.
Our Peer Academy Career Enhancement (PACE) program includes a variety of self-paced online modules on topics such as boundaries, self-care, problem-solving, and communication. This program is by invitation only and is only available to students that have received their MHPS training through our organization. The program concludes when you complete your 250-hours of initial certification, and complete the application for your 2-year certification, and complete all of the learning modules.
Requirements
Complete MHPS Supplemental Training At Peer Academy
Achieve Peer Academy Performance Standards by actively participating and remaining engaged throughout the training
Has not previously enrolled in, or is not currently participating in, any other Peer Academy program*
*Including Peer Academy Career Enhancement (PACE) Track I and II
Features
Approximate length: 7 - 9 months
Pre-career assessment profile
Access to Certified Peers to help you navigate the certification process
Access to workshops for scenario and role-playing based-learning
Peer Supervision for your State-required 250 experience hours
Access to all of our online learning modules
Access to our online community and mentors
This invitation-only program is for those who completed the MHPS Specialty Training with us. Enroll in Peer Academy’s MHPS Specialty Training to qualify.
For Experienced Peers
Peer Academy Career Enhancement (PACE) Track II
$3,500 stipend to you
(for full program completion)
Limited to Peers with a current 2-year Texas certification that are working in Peer roles.
Our Peer Academy Career Enhancement (PACE) program includes a variety of self-paced online modules on topics such as boundaries, self-care, problem-solving, and communication. This is highly-selective. We accept 32 experienced Peers per year. MHPS, RSPS, or Certified Family Partners (CFPs) that are currently working as Peers in Texas, regardless of where you were initially certified or where you currently work, are eligible. The program concludes in exactly 7 months when you complete all of the learning modules.
Requirements
Be a Certified Peer Specialist or Community Health Worker (CHW)
Has not previously enrolled in, or is not currently participating in, any other Peer Academy program*
*Including Peer Academy Career Enhancement (PACE) Track I and II
18 Months or More Experience is Preferred
Features
Approximate length: 7 months
Career assessment profile
Access to workshops for scenario and role-playing based-learning
Access to all of our online learning modules
Access to our online community and mentors
Participation in discussion and informational panels
Networking and Community Presence
Why Choose Peer Academy?
Online Training
Peer Academy’s training sessions are conducted entirely online, making them accessible from anywhere with a computer and reliable internet connection.
Certified Trainers
Our trainers at Peer Academy are certified and experienced peer specialists, dedicated to ensuring your success in the training program.
Exclusive Financial Aids
As a student enrolled in Peer Academy, you’ll have access to exclusive financial aid, stipends, and internship opportunities.