Pathways to the Peer Workforce
The mental health peer workforce has grown from its roots in informal, volunteer-driven mutual aid into a recognized, credentialed profession that is now eligible for Medicaid reimbursement. Today, peer support is an evidence-based practice grounded in the intentional use of lived experience to empower others, supported by defined core competencies, ongoing training, and specialized career pathways. This page provides an overview of the peer certification process, offering guidance on how individuals can enter and advance within this dynamic and impactful field.
How to become a Certified Adult Peer Specialist / Youth Peer Advocate / Family Peer Advocate in New York State;
Adult Peer Specialist
The New York Peer Specialist Certification Board certifies documentation and oversees the application process, issuing Peer Certification numbers and continuing education credit.
- Certification identifies professionals who are specialists in their field
- Certified professionals are recognized by professional affiliations, state, and national legislation
- Certified professionals are provided with the opportunity for peer networking, in addition to involvement and impact through NYPSCB sponsored education opportunities and committee work
- Certification increases professionalism in the field
- Certification provides a strong basis for employment hiring and professional advancement
- Programs utilizing certified professionals to provide peer support services may be qualified to bill Medicaid
- Complete the entire NYCPS Application; fill-out, sign, and submit pages 1-8 of the application packet
- Submit an official transcript or verification of high school diploma or equivalent
- Request three letters of reference be completed by individuals that can speak about your peer specialist abilities- must be included with application and mailed directly to the NYPSCB using the form provided on page 7 (make copies as needed).
- Read and agree to abide by the NYPSCB Code of Ethical Conduct & Disciplinary Procedures
- Submit a copy/photo of your current government-issued photo-id
- Attach to page 4 a copy of all certificates of attendance or transcripts for training/educational events being applied toward certification requirements.
Youth to Adult
Pathway to Provisional Youth Peer Advocate: A Youth Peer Advocate is someone 18-30 years old who self-identifies as a person who has first-hand experience with social, emotional, medical, developmental, substance use, and/or behavioral challenges. Youth Peer Advocates must be able to use their lived experience with a disability, mental health challenge, substance use disorder, and experience in New York State systems such as juvenile justice, special education, and/or foster care to assist in supporting young people in their resiliency/recovery and wellness. YPAs provide a service called Youth Peer Support.
The Youth Peer Advocate (YPA) to New York Certified Peer Specialist (NYCPS-P) pathway is a streamlined process allowing YPAs to obtain adult provisional certification through the New York Peer Specialist Certification Board (NYPSCB). It recognizes lived experience, enabling YPAs (aged 18–30) to bridge into broader peer support roles. The process involves submitting specialized applications, verification of training, and, for many, leveraging existing YPA credentials.
- YPA Certification
- Submit an official transcript or verification of high school diploma or equivalent
- Request three letters of reference to be completed by individuals that can speak about your peer specialist abilities- mailed directly to the NYPSCB.
- Read and agree to abide by the NYPSCB Code of Ethical Conduct & Disciplinary Procedures
- Submit a copy/photo of your current government-issued photo-id
- Attach copies of all certificates of attendance or transcripts for training/educational events being applied toward certification requirements.
- You do NOT need to complete all 13 core courses on the APS adult NYCPS. You DO need to complete the course titled “Olmstead: The Continued Mandate of De-Institutionalization: This course discusses the Olmstead Act, which states that segregation in institutions constitutes discrimination based on disability. Further, this course describes the “integration mandate” of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) that requires public agencies to provide services in the most integrated setting possible.
Family and Youth Peer Advocate Credentialing
Thank you for your interest in joining “A Workforce That Makes a Difference!”
Family Peer Support is delivered by a New York State Credentialed Family Peer Advocate. To be eligible for the Family Peer Advocate (FPA) Credential, an individual must:
- Demonstrate ‘lived experience’ as a parent or primary caregiver who has navigated multiple child serving systems on behalf of their child(ren) with social, emotional, developmental, health and/or behavioral healthcare needs.
An individual seeking a Family Peer Advocate Credential will typically start with a Provisional (temporary) Credential.
Click here to read the full Special Announcement emailed to our statewide listserv on January 26, 2026 as part of ongoing restructuring efforts led by the NYS Office of Mental Health and FTNYS.
Trainings and Technical Assistance
Academy of Peer (APS)
The Academy of Peer Services is an training platform for individuals delivering peer support services in NYS. Trainings are free of charge to people working in or who wish to work in the NYS Mental Health System. Courses are designed by peer leaders in NYS and enveloped in partnership with our academic partner at Rutgers University School of Health Related Professions.
Mental Health Empowerment Project (MHEP)
MHEP’s Training and Technical Assistance Center provides education, consultation, and skill-building opportunities that strengthen peer support, promote trauma-informed care, and drive recovery-oriented systems change. Our work supports individuals in reclaiming their voice, strengthens the peer workforce, and assists organizations and communities in building inclusive environments where all people can thrive.
Principals of Practice and Code of Ethics
Adult
National Practice Guidelines for Peer Support Practices.
Recovery is a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential. ~~SAMHSA Working Definition of Recovery (citation)
Family
There are six categories of Family Peer Support Services. A Family Peer Support Provider has the capacity to offer all six categories of service based on the individual needs and preferences of the family.
Where to find employment as a peer supporter (adult/family/youth)
The Virtual Learning Community
The Virtual Learning Community is a project of the Academy of Peer Services and offers a clearinghouse of information and announcements for the peer support workforce in New York State (and beyond) to connect, communicate, and collaborate! Available positions for peer support can be found here:
Families Together in New York State
Families Together in New York State and its affiliated partners share opportunities on their dedicated job board found here:
If you have additional questions and would like to speak to a peer professional to learn more about these pathways to the peer workforce, the listed training programs or have any questions, please reach out to WCNY IPA.