The PEERiodical
October 2026
A Quarterly Newsletter for Peer Support Specialists. Subscribe here.
See what’s new! Explore recent announcements, program developments, resources, and other updates from our team.
Over 10,000 Peers have become Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialists
CalMHSA is celebrating a monumental milestone for the Peer community: Over 10,000 peers with lived experience in recovery have become Certified Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialists (CMPSS). We are thrilled to continue to promote recovery and wellness to our peer communities and to show that lived experience is a powerful tool to help bridge the gap in behavioral health services and recovery. Cheers to 10,000 peers certified, and here’s to 10,000 more! You can view CMPSS certification data on our website’s “Data” dashboard page.
CMPSS Fall Survey
Would you take a few minutes to share your thoughts on the CalMHSA Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification Program? We value your experience, and your feedback helps us improve the certification process and better support peers statewide. The survey closes Nov. 30. Take the survey.
New Specialization Training Providers – Including Spanish
Have you considered furthering your skills as a Certified Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist? Check out the training in areas of specialization. Four areas of specialization training are available: Peer Services in Crisis Care, Peer Services for Unhoused, Peer Services for Justice-Involved, and Parent, Caregiver and Family Member Peer. These specializations enhance and deepen your peer support skills, while focusing on providing support to these specific populations.
¿Hablas español y necesitas cursos de capacitación para especializaciones? Tenemos nuevos proveedores de especializaciones. Vea la información aquí.
Discover helpful tips, resources, and reminders to help you navigate the certification process and beyond.
CMPSS Renewal Audits are Coming
If you’ve renewed your Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist certification, remember to keep proof of your trainings. CalMHSA conducts random renewal audits to confirm continuing education hours were completed during your active certification period. If you’re selected, we’ll email you and ask for proof of completion. See “Maintenance of Records” on our Continuing Education Requirements page for what counts as acceptable proof.
Please note that it is important to have access to the email address on your application. If you no longer have access to that email, please follow these steps to log in and update your email address on file. This will help avoid any missed emails requesting your continuing education records.
Global Peer Support Celebration Day
Did you know that there is a global day recognizing and honoring the field of peer support? The third Thursday of October is an annual reminder of the amazing efforts our peers bring to their communities to promote wellness, recovery, and resiliency. This year, the global holiday fell on Oct. 15. While CalMHSA is honored to support and celebrate the success and resiliency of our peers every day, we hope you felt a deeper level of accomplishment and appreciation this global day of celebration.
Scroll down to the “Peer 2 Peer” section to learn more about two Certified Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialists who have been recognized in their own communities for the peer support services they provide. You can also post about your own peer story on social media using the hashtag #GlobalPeerSupportCelebrationDay to connect with your community.
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!
Recognize Your Specialization Training
Have you completed training in one of the areas of specialization? You’ll need to submit an application for recognition of this training. Upon approval, your CMPSS certificate will reflect your approved specialization(s). You can submit multiple applications to recognize your completed specialization training(s); see our step-by-step instruction guide.
If you have not yet taken a specialization training, you’ll need to enroll in and complete training before submitting an application with CalMHSA. For a list of approved specialization training providers, please visit: https://www.capeercertification.org/specialization-training/
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 [email protected].
Peer Hero Spotlight
About Peer Hero Spotlights
Each edition, The PEERiodical celebrates peer support specialists making a difference in their communities. The Peer Heroes featured here were nominated by members of the peer community, including colleagues, peers they’ve supported, and the agencies they work with. The quotes and reflections that follow come from those nominations and from the Peer Heroes themselves, who have agreed to share their stories and words with you.
Cassandra Zauner, CMPSS
Qualities, contributions, and impact noted: Advocacy, Commitment to Peer Support, Community Impact, Compassion and Empathy, Lived Experience, Authentic Connection, Inspiration and Hope, Leadership
Cassandra provides peer support services at a clubhouse and board-and-care residence for peers in recovery and is highly spoken of by peers, both working in recovery and toward recovery. Peers who attend her support groups or have received support from her say, “Cassandra has been a huge inspiration to me,” and that they “miss her during her days off,” highlighting her daily impact on others.
Her commitment to promoting recovery and providing meaningful and impactful peer support services to local communities allows Cassandra to lead with calm and assurance.
Known as compassionate, empathic, and inspirational, Cassandra is often described as a positive influence and role model to promote recovery and wellness. Her patience and genuine care for others make those around her feel noticed and truly supported. She shared with us, “Through my story I want to share my light and continue to shine bright! Something I always share with my fellow peers is ‘Keep the Faith,’ ‘This Too Shall Pass!’ and ‘Don’t let anyone dull your sparkle!’”
Cassandra, your community has rallied to share mementos of your advocacy, inspiration and hope for others, and your authentic connections. CalMHSA is honored to spotlight you as a Peer Hero to those you serve; keep shining on, Cassandra!
“Cassandra doesn’t just help people, she gives them hope.”
Dakota Crossley, CMPSS
Qualities, contributions, and impact noted: Advocacy, Commitment to Peer Support, Community Impact, Compassion and Empathy, Inspiration and Hope, Lived Experience, Authentic Connection, Leadership
Known for consistently demonstrating compassion, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to peer support, Dakota uses her lived experience to build authentic, trusting relationships with clients and serves as a powerful example that recovery is possible.
Dakota is described as someone who “meets people where they are,” while fiercely advocating for their individual needs, emphasizing her clients’ voice and choice, and empowering them to be active participants in their own recovery.
One nominator said, “Dakota has made a tremendous impact on our program through her dedication and initiative.” As a leader in community outreach efforts, her dedication to growth and wellness does not go unnoticed by those around her. Dakota fosters hope by showing clients that recovery is achievable and that they are never alone in their journey.
Sharing her insight with us, Dakota said, “Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny. For me, being a peer means using what I’ve been through to remind someone else that they don’t have to navigate everything alone.”
Dakota, CalMHSA recognizes your commitment for peer support, and we thank you for being a Peer Hero in your community! Your community sees and values your compassion, empathy, and impact.