Peer Movement

The peer advocacy movement is transforming the way we approach mental health and substance use challenges, emphasizing support from those with lived experience to create a more empathetic, effective care system. Peer advocates, who themselves have faced mental health or substance use issues, use their journeys to assist others in navigating the recovery process. These advocates, often referred to as “peers,” are trained to provide support, guidance, and advocacy, helping individuals find resources, develop coping skills, and create personalized goals. In recent years, training and certification programs have expanded across the country, equipping peers with the necessary skills and knowledge to bring compassion and insight to their communities. The peer advocacy movement continues to build a network of support and solidarity, bringing recovery and hope to countless individuals. We’ve listed some resources for New York State on this page that are meant to help you get started if you think becoming a peer advocate is right for you.

Peer Resources for New York State

In New York, several key organizations oversee and support training and certification for peer advocates:

New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) – Manages certifications like the Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) and provides guidelines for peer specialists in addiction services OASAS.
New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) – Provides oversight for Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) roles, focusing on mental health services and the peer specialist workforce. OMH collaborates with training programs to ensure quality standards in peer advocacy training CTACNY.
Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Providers of New York State (ASAP) also plays a significant role in peer advocacy training and workforce development. As a key organization, ASAP advocates for and supports addiction services by providing educational programs, certification opportunities, and resources for substance abuse professionals, including peer advocates. ASAP
Families Together in New York State (FTNYS) – Offers the Family Peer Advocate (FPA) Credential, a specific certification for individuals who provide support to families navigating mental health services for children. FTNYS also provides training and educational resources for family-focused peer advocatesWelcome to NYC.gov | City of New York.
NY Peer Specialist Certification Board – The New York Peer Specialist Certification Board (NYPSCB) is a separate organization that establishes the requirements for certification processes. It works collaboratively with the APS but is a separate and distinct group that makes all determinations about the Certified Peer Specialist certification. For more information, please visit New York Peer Specialist Certification Board

These agencies are pivotal in ensuring that peer support professionals in New York are well-trained and certified, helping them provide essential services within the community. For those interested in becoming peer advocates, these organizations offer various resources and information on credentialing.

Training Resources

If you’re interested in becoming a peer advocate, several excellent training programs are available, each with unique resources and strengths. These are only a select few:

Friends of Recovery NY – Friends of Recovery New York (FOR-NY) offers training focused on advocacy and community-building skills. Their workshops prepare peer advocates to support those in recovery and work on policy reform to improve treatment options and reduce stigma. Learn more at Friends of Recovery NY.
Choices Recovery Training – Choices Recovery Training specializes in training peer recovery advocates through interactive courses that build on essential recovery coaching skills and ethics. Their courses emphasize compassion and motivational interviewing techniques. Visit Choices Recovery Training for details.
Recovery Coach University – Recovery Coach University provides comprehensive training to develop the skills needed for effective peer support, with a focus on recovery-oriented systems of care. Their courses cover peer ethics, active listening, and strength-based approaches. More information is available at Recovery Coach University.
THRIVE University – THRIVE University provides FREE education and training for Certified Recovery Peer Advocates who are new to and/or working in the field. Our experienced team of professionals develops training based on feedback from those in the field and the community partners we work with. Visit THRIVE University for more info.
Academy Of Peer Services – The Academy of Peer Services (APS) is an online, on-demand, self-directed training and testing website offering a wide range of interactive multimedia courses for those seeking certification in New York State as peer specialists in mental health settings. Courses on the supervision of peer specialists are also available. Visit Home | APS for more information.
Mental Health Empowerment Project – MHEP offers dynamic and cutting edge education, training, skill building and support that helps people to find their unique voice, connect to their personal power and recognize the power of peer support. Visit MHEP for more information.