Peer Certification
   

Senate Bill 803 (SB 803), authored by California State Senator Jim Beall, is the "Mental Health Services: Peer Support Specialist Certification Program Act of 2020". SB 803 recognizes the benefit that peer support provides to individuals and families with mental health and substance use difficulties and the increased diversity and effectiveness peers bring to the health workforce.

In alignment with SB 803, the State Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) established statewide requirements for the development of a program that will certify Peer Support Specialists under the Medi-Cal program, creating a new Medi-Cal provider type and service type.

Solano County Behavioral Health has a limited number of scholarships available to peers throughout the County, be it volunteers, employees of community-based partners, or County staff to cover the costs associated with the 80-hour training class and taking the exam.

There are two avenues for the Peer Support Specialist (PSS) Certification:
  1. Grandparenting: This process is for someone who has accumulated at least 1550 hours of work experience as a PSS, and has had some training in PSS and safety protocols.
  2. Initial Applicant: This process is for someone who is interested in becoming a PSS but has not accumulated the requisite work experience and/or training.

If you are interested in learning more about peer certification, please visit CalMHSA's PSS Certification page.

If you have additional questions, feel free to contact our Wellness & Recovery Unit by phone at 707-784-8066 or by email at [email protected].