Mental Health Peer Specialist (MHPS)

21 articles

What is a Certified Mental Health Peer Specialist (MHPS)?

Last Updated: November 15, 2024

In Texas a certified Mental Health Peer Specialist (MHPS) is a person who uses lived experience in recovery from a mental health condition*, in addition...

Who can become a Mental Health Peer Specialist?

Last Updated: November 15, 2024

Minimum Requirements for Texas Mental Health Peer Specialist Certification According to the Texas Administrative Code, a peer specialist must meet the following eligibility criteria:1 be...

Mental Health Peer Specialist Certification Step-by-Step Guide

Last Updated: November 15, 2024

  BEFORE YOU START: It is important to be aware that you will be required to pass a background check as part of the certification process....

What Training is Required for Mental Health Peer Specialists?

Last Updated: November 15, 2024

Core Training After completing the orientation and self-assessment, peer supporters must attend the Texas Peer Specialist Core Training. This training is three full days (or...

How do I Find and Register for Mental Health Peer Specialist Training?

Last Updated: November 15, 2024

Finding a Training Opportunity To find an upcoming training for MHPS, RSPS, or PSS certification, you can visit the PeerForce training calendars page here. You...

How much does MHPS training cost?

Last Updated: November 15, 2024

Costs for the trainings are dependent upon the training entity where you apply to take the training. Some training entities include the entire cost of...

How long is my MHPS training letter of completion valid?

Last Updated: November 15, 2024

Please note that this article is about how long MHPS training is valid, not how long an MHPS certification is valid. For the latter, please...

When can I start collecting my 250 work experience hours?

Last Updated: November 15, 2024

Complete your Initial Application in Certemy After completing the Core and Supplemental training for your chosen Peer Specialist certification you will need to complete an...

What types of work count towards my 250 work experience hours?

Last Updated: November 15, 2024

Review the Provision Standards for Peer Specialists The Provision Standards for Peer Specialists outlined in the Texas Administrative Code can work as a guideline for...

Where can I complete my work experience hours?

Last Updated: November 15, 2024

Here are some examples of the types of organizations Peer Specialist interns have worked or volunteered at while collecting their 250 hours.  Mental and behavioral health services...

Who can supervise me while I complete my hours?

Last Updated: November 15, 2024

If you are obtaining a certification as a Mental Health Peer Specialist (MHPS) or a Recovery Support Peer Specialist (RSPS), you will need to receive...

Where can I find a PSS to supervise me?

Last Updated: November 15, 2024

1. Check with your Organization This might sound obvious, but sometimes organizations can be so big that it might not be clear that there is...

How much does it cost for the Texas Peer Certification Application Processing Fee?

Last Updated: November 15, 2024

If you are applying to become a Texas Certified Peer Specialist you will be required to pay an Application Processing Fee to the Certification Board....

What do I do if my certification application expired?

Last Updated: November 15, 2024

Once you have completed Core and Supplemental training, and started your state application through the Texas Certification Board (TCB), you are given six (6) months...

How to convert from another State’s Peer Certification

Last Updated: November 15, 2024

For people moving into Texas it is suggested that they reach out to their state certifying board that approved certification to ask specific questions regarding...

How to Convert your Peer Certification from Wales to Texas Certification Board (TCB).

Last Updated: November 15, 2024

Wales (aka TexasPeers.org) is no longer an existing certifying body in Texas. All of the certifications from Wales will need to be transferred to the...

How to Renew Texas Mental Health Peer Specialist Certification

Last Updated: November 15, 2024

Step 1: Access the Renewal Application in Certemy When it is time for you to renew your MHPS or RSPS certification, you will recieve an...

How do I Schedule a Background Check Appointment and get my results?

Last Updated: November 15, 2024

Scheduling an appointment:  IdentoGO is the preferred Texas Certification Board’s (TCB) vendor for the FBI fingerprinting background checks. You will need to go ONLINE to...

How do I get my Background Check results?

Last Updated: November 15, 2024

You will receive an email with a link to your background check results within 24-48 hours of completing your appointment. Your results will come from...

Can I get Certified if I have a Criminal History Record?

Last Updated: November 15, 2024

Attention: Please be aware that the only way to know if your application will be denied due to your background check is by submitting your...

What do I do if my application was denied due to my background check results?

Last Updated: November 15, 2024

If your application was denied due to the results of your background check, there may be some alternative options. If you are eligible for the...