CPRS Endorsements

Beginning in 2025, TDMHSAS established optional advanced endorsements on the peer recovery specialist certification in specialized areas. These endorsements recognize both advanced training and specialized lived experience of Certified Peer Recovery Specialists and will serve to further break down stigma and increase the recovery potential of Tennesseans throughout our state.

CPRS-J

The “J” endorsement on indicates that the CPRS self-identifies as having lived experience of justice involvement and has completed an additional 32-hour CPRS-J training to provide peer support to other justice-involved individuals.

Eligibility

  • Current certification as CPRS.  Verify your CPRS is current at this link.
  • Lived experience of justice involvement (by self-report)
  • No wait time required between trainings
  • No background checks required*

Click this link or the image for a printable one pager of CPRS-J information.

*Please note that the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services does not conduct criminal background checks when issuing peer recovery specialist certifications. Accordingly, the department neither forms nor offers any opinion regarding any information contained therein. Any person or entity with interest in that information should conduct a criminal background check themselves to determine if any particular Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) is an appropriate person to conduct the CPRS services sought.

Image of CPRS-J flyer

Training

The CPRS-J program uses SAFE Project’s Integrated-Forensic Peer Recovery Specialist (I-FPRS) Training.  This 32-hour training is delivered virtually in one week.

Continuing Education

  • CPRS requires 20 hours of continuing education every two-year certification period, including 2 hours in ethics.
  • Of those 20 hours, 5 must be specific to justice-related topics for CPRS-J.

Ready to apply? Click this link.

CPRS-J Stories

In the videos below, some of the first Tennesseans to earn their CPRS-J share what makes the program unique, what they learned, and why they think so many people are so excited about this endorsement.

For More Information

If you feel at any time that you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call or text 988 and press 0 to speak to a trained counselor or chat with 988lifeline.org.  If you or a loved one need a referral to substance abuse treatment services, please call or text the TN REDLINE: 800-889-9789

To learn more about this program, please contact:

Michelle Webster
PeerRecoveryCoordinator
615-741-7693
Michelle.Webster@tn.gov