Peer support services involve individuals who have experienced mental illness first-hand, parents of children who have experienced mental illness, or individuals who have experienced co-occurring disorders (a combination of mental health and substance use disorders) using their experience to support others facing similar issues.
A certified peer support counselor is someone who is grounded in their recovery and has gone through specialized training and testing to earn their certification. Because of their life experience with mental illness and mental health services, peer counseors provide expertise that professional training cannot replicate.
Peer counselors are especially qualified to inspire hope and provide unique support to individuals receiving mental health services because they likely have been in similar situations and understand the experience of living with a mental illness.
Peer counselors model recovery and resiliency in overcoming obstacles common to those who live with serious mental illness and help identify goals that promote recovery and resiliency.
Accessing Peer Support Services in Clark County
If you or your child are receiving services at one of the public mental health agencies funded by the Clark County Regional Support Network, you have the right to ask for peer support services. These agencies include:
Agencies that serve adults:
Columbia River Mental Health Services
Community Services Northwest
Lifeline Connections
Agencies that serve children:
Catholic Community Services
Children’s Center
Children’s Home Society
Columbia River Mental Health Services
Family Solutions
Peer support services are also available to individuals receiving assistance through Clark County Crisis Services and Consumer Voices Are Born (CVAB).
If you receive services from one of these agencies and would like to access peer support services, please let your provider know.
Peer Support Counselor Certification Process
Individuals wishing to become a Certified Peer Support Counselor in the state of Washington must:- Self-identify as an individual, or a parent of a child, who has experienced mental illness and/or received mental health services.
- Maintain registration as a counselor under chapter 18.19 RCW
- Complete a minimum of 40 hours of specialized training provided, contracted, or be approved by the Washington State Mental Health Division.
- Successfully pass a combination written and oral examination administered by the Washington State Mental Health Division.
Currently, the Washington State Mental Health Division manages the process for Peer Support Counselor Certification in our state. All of the forms you need to apply are available below:
Application for Peer Counselor Training (PDF - 47K)
Please download the following information sheet for additional information:
The_Peer_Counselor_Certification_Process (PDF - 26 K)
Monthly Peer Support Meeting
The Clark County Regional Support Network (CCRSN) hosts a monthly peer support meeting (PDF - 127K). These meetings are open to all peer support counselors (currently working in the mental health system or not), anyone who is interested in becoming a certified peer support counselor, and anyone who would like to find out more about peer support services or the peer support certification process.
Meetings are currently held the last Wednesday of each month from 11:30 to 1:00 in conference room C210-C at the Clark County Center for Community Health, located at 1601 E 4th Plain Boulevard.
Meeting Minutes:
July 2009 (PDF - 34K)
June 2009 (PDF - 30K)
May 2009 (PDF - 40K)
April 2009 (PDF - 31K)
March 2009 (PDF - 40K)
February 2009 (PDF - 39K)
January 2009 (PDF - 31K)
For more information
If you have any questions or concerns about peer support services or about becoming a peer support counselor, or if you would like assistance with accessing peer support services or with the peer support counselor certification process, please feel free to contact:Melanie Green
Mental Health Recovery Coordinator
Clark County Regional Support Network
(360) 397-2130
melanie.green@clark.wa.gov
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