The Peer Specialist Service is a structured and scheduled therapeutic activity with an individual client or group, provided by a trained, self-identified consumer of mental health services. An Adult Peer Support Specialist (APSS) guides clients toward the identification and achievement of specific goals defined by the client and specified in the Treatment Plan.  To become qualified, a Kentucky Peer Specialist (KPS) completes 30 hours of training and passes both a written and oral test. The job of a KPS is not to replace current clinical mental health staff but to offer additional and/or alternative options to help people in their efforts to recover.  Our state approved, 30-hour approved program provides in-person instructional training for those seeking employment as Recovery Coaches and Peer Specialist. Upon completion of the APSS course, graduates can apply to be certified as Adult Peer Support Specialist (APSS) and seek employment within the industry.

Course Eligibility – To enroll in the Adult Peer Support Specialist (APSS) 30-hour course you shall:

• Be eighteen (18) years of age or older;
• Have a current or past diagnosis of a mental health, substance use, or co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders;
• Have received or be receiving treatment;
• Have a minimum educational requirement of a high school diploma or General Equivalence Diploma (GED) certificate;
• Demonstrate a pattern of recovery from a mental health, substance use, or co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.