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 a Peer Recovery Specialist’s certification indicates that the CPRS self-identifies as someone with lived experience of justice involvement who has completed the required advanced training in providing peer support to other justice-involved individuals.

Eligibility

  • Current certification as CPRS
  • 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

  • SAFE Project’s Integrated-Forensic Peer Recovery Specialist (I-FPRS) Training
  • Continuing Education
  • Current requirement for CPRS is 20 hours of continuing education per two-year certification period; 2 of the 20 hours must be in ethics.
  • CPRS-J continuing education is 5 of the 20 hours to be a justice-specific topic

Ready to apply? Click this link.

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