2017-25: Peer Support Specialist Training In New Orleans
Date: 06/14/17
The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) Office of Behavioral Health will host a two-week, 76-hour Peer Support Specialist (PSS) Training course on August 21-September 1, 2017, in New Orleans.
NOTE: The application deadline to participate is July 24, 2017.
Peer Support Specialists are self-identified consumers who are in recovery from mental illness and/or substance use disorders. The role of a PSS is supported on both a statewide and national level. Nationally, CMS recognizes the importance of a PSS as a viable component in the treatment of mental health and substance use disorders. In Louisiana, PSS work in a variety of capacities throughout the behavioral health service system.
As a reminder, there are several rehabilitation services outlined within the Behavioral Health Manual in which credentialed PSS are identified as qualified provider types. These services include:
- Community Psychiatric Support and Treatment
- Psychosocial Rehabilitation
- Crisis Intervention
- Assertive Community Treatment
- Addiction Services
Louisiana utilizes the curriculum developed by the RI International (formerly Recovery Innovations) of Arizona as its statewide training for PSS. This course is held multiple times annually in varying locations throughout the state. There is a $500 registration fee for peers who are not directly employed by LGEs or state-run hospitals. Employers are also expected to pay for travel and meals outside of the training.
To request an application, or if you wish to send someone to the training and cannot meet the application deadline, please reserve a slot in the training for your employee by contacting Linda Boudreaux at lindabtem@bellsouth.net or Nancy Hughes at nancy.hughes@la.gov.