Peer Support Education & Training

About: The WellSpace Institute offers an intensive, accredited training program designed for individuals who want to transform their lived experience into a meaningful tool for helping others. This fully virtual, four-week program includes 80 hours of training through a combination of self-paced online learning and interactive Live Labs.

The training satisfies the core 80-hour prerequisite required to sit for the California Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification Exam and is accredited by the California Mental Health Services Authority (CalMHSA).

Program details:

• 80 hours
• Fully virtual
• Four weeks
• $1,600
• Includes course materials and instruction

Applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Have personal lived experience with mental health challenges, substance use, or system involvement, or be a primary caregiver/family member of someone who does
• Be willing to safely share their lived experience
• Demonstrate a commitment to recovery, peer support, and trauma-informed care
• Agree to follow the California Peer Specialist Code of Ethics

Click here to join the training and application interest list.

Peer Services for the Unhoused

A 40-hour virtual specialization training for certified Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialists who want to strengthen their skills in supporting individuals and families experiencing homelessness or housing instability.

Program Details

• 40 hours
• Fully virtual
• Self-paced modules + interactive Live Labs
• $800
• Meets CalMHSA’s 40-hour specialization training requirement

Applicants must:

• Hold an active California Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification
• Have lived experience with homelessness, housing instability, or related behavioral health, substance use, or system involvement, or be a primary caregiver/family member of someone who does
• Be willing to safely and ethically share their lived experience
• Demonstrate a commitment to peer values, recovery, and trauma-informed care
• Have strong communication skills and the ability to build trust with individuals facing complex challenges
• Agree to follow the California Peer Specialist Code of Ethics

Click here to join the Peer Specialist for the Unhoused training and application interest list.

Peer Services in Crisis Care

Coming Soon
Training currently in development. Registration will open following CalMHSA approval.

Peer Services for Justice Involved

Coming Soon
Training currently in development. Registration will open following CalMHSA approval.

Parent, Caregiver, & Family Member Peer

Coming Soon
Training currently in development. Registration will open following CalMHSA approval.

About: WellSpace Institute is an approved Continuing Education (CE) Provider through the California Mental Health Services Authority (CalMHSA). We are currently developing multiple CE courses for peer support professionals.

Check back for upcoming course topics, program dates, eligibility requirements, and registration information, or email PeerSupportServices@WellSpaceHealth.org to learn more.

Eligibility varies by program. Some programs are designed for individuals pursuing their initial Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist certification, while others are for certified Peer Support Specialists seeking additional training or specialization. See each program for specific eligibility requirements.

Yes. WellSpace Institute Peer Support training programs are currently offered virtually. Depending on the program, training may include self-paced online learning and scheduled Live Labs.

Participants will need a reliable internet connection and a computer or tablet with a working camera and microphone. Some programs may require participation in live virtual sessions.

Tuition varies by program, and applicable costs will be listed with each training. Scholarships and payment plans may be available for certain programs. To inquire about scholarships or payment plans, contact PeerSupportServices@WellSpaceHealth.org.

Applicants are also encouraged to contact their local County Department of Behavioral Health to ask about external scholarships, workforce development grants, or other funding opportunities that may help cover training costs.