WELCOME TO
Our goal is to find people interested in using their personal lived experience with mental health challenges and turning them into the best possible Peer Specialists.
Who we are
We are a program of form communities, a Texas-based 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to removing barriers to community-based mental health recovery.
Our history
We have been training Mental Health Peer Specialists, primarily in Texas, but also from across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, since 2019.
Our training approach
Our trainings are focused on the official Texas Mental Health Peer Specialist curriculum, which we bolster with additional classes we've created. All of our training is led by individuals that are current, practicing, Mental Health Peer Specialists.
Peer Specialist programs for individuals
Mental Health Peer Specialist (MHPS)
The Texas Mental Health Peer Specialist (MHPS) training is designed for individuals who have experienced a major life disruption, at some point due to their own personal mental health challenges. The course includes two parts: a 24-hour Core introduction training, and a 40-hour Supplemental training. This is the most common type of training we do, and there is a cost associated with participating.
Enhanced Mental Health Peer Specialist
Our Enhanced MHPS training program includes all of the components of the Mental Health Peer Specialist certification training, plus additional support before and after training.
Students that complete this program will receive a $3,500 stipend.
PACE Track I - for new Peers
Peer Academy Career Enhancement (PACE) is a program we've developed to provide additional supports to make Peer Specialists more likely to succeed and stay in the career field. This training is largely online, with many off-line supports and immersion experiences. This program is only for graduates of our MHPS and Enhanced MHPS training programs, and is by invitation only.
Students that complete this program will receive a $5,000 stipend.
PACE Track II - for experienced Peers
Peer Academy Career Enhancement (PACE) is a program we've developed to provide additional supports to make Peer Specialists more likely to succeed and stay in the career field. This version of our program is almost exclusively completed online. It is designed for current Peer Specialists, including Mental Health Peer Specialists, Recovery Support Peer Specialists, and Certified Family Partners. Students that complete this program will receive a $3,500 stipend.