The PEERiodical
July - September, 2025
A Quarterly Newsletter for Peer Support Specialists. Subscribe here.
Major Milestone in Peer Certifications
This May, California’s Peer Certification Program turned three years old, and we’re celebrating in a big way: We’ve officially surpassed 6,000 Certified Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialists across the state!
This milestone is more than a number. It represents a growing movement of lived experience, resilience, and healing at the heart of our behavioral health system. Every CMPSS is a reminder that recovery is real, connection matters, and support can change lives.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey so far. Whether you’re newly certified or have been with us from the start, this community is stronger because of you.
Here’s to the next 6,000!
Certification Exam is Now Available to Individuals in Carceral Settings
We’re proud to announce a powerful step forward: Through our partnership with the Correctional Health Care Services (CCHCS), a division of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitations (CDCR), eligible individuals in carceral settings can take the last steps in their professional growth towards certification.
This summer, more than 350 individuals across 14 institutions will take the certification exam Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialists. This brings the values of hope, connection, and lived experience into spaces where they’re deeply needed.
This partnership plants seeds of hope, healing, and recovery, while also supporting individuals’ return to their communities with new skills.
This is just the beginning, and we’re honored to be part of the journey.
CalMHSA Celebrates PRIDE with Purpose
CalMHSA’s Peer Support Specialist Certification team proudly celebrated PRIDE on June 14 and 15, standing in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community and honoring the spirit of visibility, inclusion, and resilience. As Peer Support Specialists, many of us know the importance of being seen, heard, and valued — PRIDE is a powerful reminder of that.
Our team showed up to spread awareness about the CMPSS program and its life-changing potential, especially within LGBTQ+ communities, where lived experience and affirming support can be vital. It was a weekend of visibility, connection, and empowerment. We met passionate individuals, shared resources, and celebrated the message that everyone deserves to be seen, heard, and supported.
Peer work is about showing up — and PRIDE was proof that we’re stronger together. Thank you to all who stopped by and shared your story. You matter. Your voice matters.
New – Fee Waivers Available
CalMHSA, in partnership with DHCS, is offering time-limited fee waivers to support the behavioral health workforce. Fee waivers must be used by Sept. 15, 2025.
Opportunities available at no cost:
- Certification renewals
To learn more about how to access the fee waivers, visit our website.
Is Your Certification Due for Renewal?
Has it been two years since you earned your certification? Don’t risk letting it lapse—check your expiration date by logging into your application dashboard today.
For a limited time, we are offering no-cost renewal vouchers for both current and lapsed certifications. Simply select the voucher on the renewal fee screen to take advantage of this special offer.
To ensure a smooth renewal process, visit the Certification Renewal page for an overview of what is required — including continuing education credits and documentation. For a detailed, step-by-step guide, check out How To: Certification Renewal page.
Stay certified. Stay current.
Updated Code of Ethics
We have updated the Code of Ethics for Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialists on our website to reflect changes from the Department of Health Care Services’ (DHCS) in the recently released BHIN 25-010.
We invite all Certified Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialists (CMPSS) to explore the updated page and stay connected with the standards that guide our growing profession. Together, we continue to build trust, break stigma, and lead with lived experience.
Have a tech challenge? This section is 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!
Account Login
Are you having trouble logging in to your account? Did you try resetting your password, but didn’t receive a password reset link? If yes, this means you initially signed up using the integrated Single Sign On when you first applied. To login to your account, simply select the option to “Sign in with Google” or “Sign in with Microsoft” (hint: company email addresses tend to be Microsoft). If you’re still having troubles, you can always email the team for more hands-on support.
Look at this peer-to-peer space for 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.
Here are what some of our Certified Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialists are saying:
- “My life/beliefs and my career choice have come into alignment with one another. Gives me a sense of pride.”
- “Feelings of making a difference to my community and confidence in my abilities.”
- “I became a better parent/sponsor/daughter and more effective member of my community.”
