The PEERiodical
January - March, 2026
A Quarterly Newsletter for Peer Support Specialists. Subscribe here.
Fee Waivers Available
For a limited time, CalMHSA is offering fee waivers to cover the cost of the certification exam and certification renewal. For information on obtaining a fee waiver, please visit our website.
- Please contact the training providers directly for information and availability of fee waivers for training.
Qualifying Continuing Education (CE)
We’ve heard many questions from professionals renewing their Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification about which courses meet CE requirements. To help, we’ve created a web page that explains qualifying courses, topics, and an interactive course checklist to see if your course will count.
Learn more.
Prepaid Codes
Our website now allows credit/debit card purchases. Purchase prepaid codes for certification, exam, and renewal fees (one or more) for personal use or transfer to someone else. See the step-by-step guide on prepaid code purchases for more information.
Website Updates
New Resources!
A new “How To” function in our Resource Library with all instructional materials. At the website, navigate to the Resource Library page, and filter by “How To” to view all instructional materials. Here’s what’s new:
- How To Apply – Step-by-Step Instruction on the Certification Application Process
- PEERiodical Archives – If you missed a previous newsletter, read or re-read it any time at this page.
Have you met Peerio?
Say hello to Peerio the Chatbot — your updated go-to guide on the Peer Support Specialist Certification Program website!
Whether you’re looking for quick answers or navigating program details, Peerio is here to help, 24/7. You’ll find Peerio on every page (just look for the chat icon in the bottom-right corner), ready to jump in whenever you need support.
Getting started is easy:
Click a suggested question or type your own — just like a conversation. Peerio will instantly search our website and point you to the information you need.
Fast. Friendly. Always available.
Give it a try and see how Peerio can make your experience even smoother!
Specialization Training Recognition
Did you take and complete training in one of the four areas of specialization for CMPSS? Make sure you return to the website and submit your certificate of completion to be recognized for your achievement! Simply login to your account and complete a no-cost specialization application. Once your certificate is validated, recognition for your training specialization will be included on your CMPSS certificate.
- Not yet training completed specialized training, but interested? For details on trainings for specialization, visit https://www.capeercertification.org/specialization-training/
Common Application Issues and How to Avoid Them
Below are some common application issues. Please review all requirements carefully to help avoid delays with approval.
- Enter your name in the correct order: First name, then last name.
- Verify your information: Double check that the ID number, expiration date, and date of birth on your application match the identification you upload.
- Upload a valid photo ID: The ID must be government-issued and not expired. Expired IDs, temporary paper copies, and renewal receipts cannot be accepted.
- Ensure documents are clear: All documents must be clear and legible to verify the information.
- Name differences on documents: If your diploma or other documents show a different name, please add any previous names in the “Other Known Names” section.
Taking a moment to carefully review each field before submitting can help prevent delays and avoid revision requests. If you do receive a revision request, please log in to your account and make the necessary updates as soon as possible.
Have a tech challenge? We’re here to help you navigate common issues and keep your certification journey running smoothly. Check back each quarter for simple tips to troubleshoot like a pro!
How do I reset my password?
If it’s been a while since you’ve logged into your account and now you can’t remember your password, here’s a step by-step-guideon how to reset your password and get you back into your account like a pro.
How do I change my email?
Need to change the email address on file for your account? Follow these easy instructions and ensure you don’t miss any of our updates.
- What if I don’t have access to my old work email?
- Select the “can’t access your email anymore” option to gain access to your account.
This peer-to-peer space offers real-life wisdom from other Peer Support Specialists — real talk from peers like you can make all the difference. To share your tips, advice, or words of encouragement, email us at peercertification@calmhsa.org.
Poetic Peers Share Wisdom, Creativity
Our team gathered submissions for original haiku poetry conveying your experience as a peer, as a peer support specialist, as a Certified Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist, and more. The following submissions of poetry have captured the attention of CalMHSA staff.
Note: a haiku is a three-line poem with a 5, 7, 7 syllable structure.
1st Place (tie):
Untitled
I’ve slept where you stand
Now I stand so you don’t fall
Hope remembers me
– Anonymous
Before the Turn
I don’t move your door
I help you find the right key…
You choose when to turn
– A. Murray-Seales
2nd Place (tie):
At Your Pace
I walk beside you
Not ahead, not pulling you…
Healing learns our pace
– A. Murray-Seales
Untitled
Lifting others up.
Shared how I never give up.
Always rising up.
– S. Atman
3rd Place:
Untitled
Shared stories meet hope—
lived experience guides the way,
trust grows in small steps.
– P. White
Recovery, resilience, and community happen every day in large and small ways. Together, we continue to uplift lived experience, support one another, and move the peer movement forward. Thank you for being part of the PEERiodical community.
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