Certified Young Adult Peer Support Specialist
The Certified Young Adult Peer Support Specialist program was designed specifically with young adults in mind to address the unique experiences that occur within the transitional age period for young adult peers. This program certifies young adults ages 18 through 30 in Tennessee, who have lived experience with or are on a healing and wellness journey from mental illness and/or substance abuse for at least a year, to provide peer support to other young adults with a similar background.
What does this training and certification mean to the people who have gone through it? Click the images below to get the thoughts of some of our first CYAPSS!
Steps to Earning your CYAPSS
The CYAPSS handbook will break down everything you need to know about how to become a Certified Young Adult Peer Support Specialist. There are also details about the role and responsibilities of a CYAPSS, our Code of Ethics, and other program policies. Since we’re a new program, we understand that you have a lot of questions! Please check out this list first to see if your question has been answered already.
Part One: Application for CYAPSS Training
Ready to become a CYAPSS? Check out our application to participate in the Certified Young Adult Peer Support Specialist training. Be sure to save your longer responses in a Word document so you don’t lose any of your work. Please remember that getting accepted into the training is just the first part to being certified. After the training, you will have to fill out Part Two: Application for CYAPSS Certification.
Part Two: Application for CYAPSS Certification
You did it! You completed the training and obtained your 75 hours of peer support. Now it’s time to fill out this form, have your supervisor to sign off, and get yourself certified. Please note that you will also need to have 3 people complete the Letter of Character or Professional Reference and have your supervisor complete the Employment or Volunteer Summary. Send the link below to your references and ensure that these are completed when you submit your application for certification.
Letter of Character or Professional Reference
Employment or Volunteer Summary
You’re going to need both of these forms for references and employment or volunteer history to complete your Part Two: Application for CYAPSS Certification.
Forms for Renewal
Your CYAPSS certification needs to be renewed on an annual basis. Complete these forms when you’re coming up on a year from the time you were certified. Has it been over a year? Read the handbook to find out what the policy is on renewing after your certification has expired.
For More Information
If you have concerns or need services for yourself, a child, or family member, contact our Helpline:
Phone: 800-560-5767
Email: OCA.TDMHSAS@tn.gov
Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (except for state holidays)
If you feel at any time that you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please call the Tennessee Statewide Crisis Line toll-free 24 hours, 7 days a week at 1-855-274-7471.
To learn more about the Certified Young Adult Peer Support Specialist program, please contact: cyapss.tdmhsas@tn.gov