Missouri Peer Specialist
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Welcome
The Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) initiative is a significant part of the behavioral health transformation efforts taking place in Missouri. This Website is “home” to registration for training events, information on training content, the online exam and other information regarding Peer Specialists in Missouri.
2026 Virtual CPS Trainings
Access to a computer, laptop or tablet will be required, using only a cell phone for the training and access to the materials is not acceptable.
There are now two options for our upcoming CPS trainings: a 5-day schedule and a 4-day schedule.
- 5-day schedule: 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- 4-day schedule: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Please make sure to check the details for each training session to see if it’s a 5-day or 4-day option. All sessions will be online.
CPS Training Review—Test Prep Video
Crisis Responsive Peer Training Event
Advanced Peer Supervision Training
In order to take Peer Specialty training, you must already hold a CPS, CRPR, FSP or YPS credential
Mental Health First Aid Training
Mental Health First Aid training is highly encouraged for all Certified Peer Specialists, and is required to apply for the international peer credential (Certified Reciprocal Peer Recovery—CRPR). Mental Health First Aid training also counts towards the renewal of any MCB credential, including Certified Peer Specialist.
Click here to find out how you can take Mental Health First Aid training:
CPS ECHO
The CPS Echo is a great opportunity to learn from a panel of seven subject matter experts and get feedback from other peer specialists. They happen on the first and third Wednesday of every month from 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and each one attended is worth one contact hour. It is FREE, and these contact hours can be used towards renewing your CPS credential. Each ECHO will consist of the panel providing some information to the peer specialists (around 20 minutes), and then the rest of the time is spent reviewing case studies which have been submitted ahead of time by peer specialists. To sign up for the CPS ECHO’s, please click on this link: Show-Me ECHO: Move Knowledge, Not Patients (showmeecho.org)
Support systems are so important for mental health recovery.
Having the support of a peer with personal experience and understanding can make all the difference in the world.
Credit to the Missouri Mental Health Foundation with the help of the Missouri Department of Mental Health.
Training Expectations
Helpful Tools
Information regarding the purpose and content of the training and expectations for the role of the peer specialist.
Under section 630.170, RSMo, individuals who have been found guilty of or pleaded guilty (including those that received a suspended imposition of sentence or a suspended execution of sentence) or nolo contendere to certain specified crimes* are disqualified from working in mental health programs that are operated, licensed, certified, accredited, in possession of deemed status, or funded by the Department of Mental Health. Any person who is disqualified under this section may request an exception to this employment disqualification from the Department of Mental Health Exceptions Committee.
Helpful Resources
Links & Resources
Links to other Peer Specialist resources. Convenient access to information regarding national, state and organization based activities related to peer support.
Helpful Documents
The Pillars of Peer Support Services are recognized as valuable tools to support recovery. Each Summit generated a report available for viewing on this website.
Info for Providers
Various articles assisting Recovery Providers are available in this section of the website. Items include first person accounts and various handouts.
CRISIS RESPONSIVE PEER VIGNETTES
Short skits from the Crisis Responsive Peer series offer practical tools for trained peers to respond to real-world crises with empathy and confidence.