TDMHSAS Marks Milestone in Peer Certification with New Criminal Justice Endorsement

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS) is celebrating a milestone in peer recovery services in the state.  There are now 1,500 currently active Certified Peer Recovery Specialists (CPRS).  And the milestone in the program comes as state leaders are unveiling a new endorsement in the certification program for people with lived experience in the criminal justice system.

Tennessee’s Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) program provides State certification for individuals who provide direct peer-to-peer support services to others who have mental illness, substance abuse, or co-occurring disorders.  To earn certification, people have to have at least two years of recovery or mental wellness, complete a one week, 40-hour training, and deliver peer support services under the guidance of an approved supervisor.

In recent years, the number of currently-active CPRS has grown greatly with the help of increased trainings funded by the department and provided through the Tennessee Association of Alcohol, Drug, and Other Addiction Services (TAADAS).  Since the program began in 2013, more than 3,100 individuals have earned their CPRS.

“The power of peer support continues to unlock countless doors to recovery and wellness across our state.  Because they have truly walked the walk, Certified Peer Recovery Specialists can be voice of experience that shows people that recovery is real, families can be rebuilt, trust regained, and life well-lived,” said TDMHSAS Commissioner Marie Williams, LCSW.  “We’re so proud of the many amazing men and women who have earned their CPRS and are using their experience to give hope to so many Tennesseans who are hurting.”

The new endorsement for justice involvement, CPRS-J, prepares CPRS who have that extra element of lived experience to work with people who are struggling across many settings including jails, recovery courts, probation offices, treatment programs, psychiatric facilities, and more.  Currently certified CPRS can earn the special endorsement after an additional Integrated Forensic Peer Recovery Specialist training which is delivered virtually over four days.  The first cohort of 19 peers completed the training in late March.

“For those peers who have justice involvement in their story, there’s such a strong connection to the men and women who are currently incarcerated or are working to regain their freedom while also working on their recovery and mental wellness.  This endorsement has been a long time coming, and we’re hopeful for how this specialized training can continue to improve the lives of Tennesseans, help them to heal, and show them a life after justice involvement,” said Lisa Ragan, MSSW, TDMHSAS Director of Consumer Affairs and Peer Recovery Services.

In addition to the CPRS-J endorsement, the department’s Office of Consumer Affairs and Peer Recovery Services is also developing a new certification endorsement for veterans called CPRS-V which will reflect the unique features of their experience.  The department currently has additional peer certifications for caregivers of children or youth with mental, emotional, behavioral or co-occurring disorder (Certified Family Support Specialist) and for young adults age 30 or younger (Certified Young Adult Peer Support Specialist).

Learn more about Peer Recovery Services at this link on our TN.gov website.