At Greater Mental Health of New York, we know that peer support can be an invaluable tool for recovery. Offered three times a year, our Peer Specialist Training program offers a path toward employment for people with lived experience of mental health conditions.

The training provides knowledge about the recovery process and teaches peer support, engagement, and reflective listening skills. As they learn to master the principles of peer support, participants will engage in a variety of activities, including role-playing exercises, handouts, homework assignments, and facilitated discussion.

Course topics include:

• Principles of recovery
• Self-care
• Motivational interviewing
• WRAP planning
• Working within a human services agency

In addition to in-person classroom training, Greater Mental Health of New York helps arrange a 100-hour supervised workplace internship experience placement.

Participants will gain foundational skills to provide peer support in both traditional and peer-run behavioral health settings. The Greater Mental Health Peer Specialist training prepares individuals to take necessary exams for New York certifications. Following the training and workplace experience, participants are encouraged to pursue the New York State Certified Peer Specialist and New York State Certified Recovery Peer Advocate certifications. Our computer lab provides access to the online courses required for credentialing.

Each class cycle will meet in-person at 29 Sterling Avenue in White Plains, NY. Classes will meet from 1:00 to 3:00 pm every Monday, 2:00 to 4:00 pm every Wednesday, and from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm every Friday. Sessions are offered three times a year (January, May, September) for a duration of 12 weeks each.

Applicants must be 18 years or older, have a mental health diagnosis, and possess a high school diploma or equivalent; intend to complete OR have completed some or all of the Academy of Peer Services core courses; commit to availability for class meeting times/dates; have access to a PC, laptop, or table with stable internet access.

Our Peer Specialist Trainings are held three times a year, with rolling admissions for each session.

• To apply for the next cycle, please submit an application, resume, reference letter, and one-page essay reflecting why you are interested in becoming a Peer Specialist. Apply today by clicking here.
• Interviews will take place in-person, unless otherwise arranged, during the month prior to the session start, so you are encouraged to submit your application as early as possible before the class reaches full capacity. All applications will be notified no later than two weeks before the class start date.