Agency Biography

The Peer Wellness Collective, formerly known as Alameda County Network of Mental Health Clients (ACNMHC) was born out of the activism and organizing of the 1960s and ’70s. As psychiatric institutions, known for inhumane treatment and isolation, were shut down throughout the 1950s and 60’s many former psychiatric inmates found one another and connected about their experiences. There was a nationwide movement for the civil and human rights of people. Peer Wellness Collective was founded in 1988 by pioneers of this movement to support peer-run, self-help services for people with mental health and/or substance use challenges in Alameda County, CA. Today we have 5 programs in the “Network” led by people who have lived experience within the mental health community.

BestNow is one of those programs. Our Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification training program covers the 17 core competencies required, as well as prepares you to take the California Peer Support Specialist exam. Upon graduating you become a part of the BestNow family, and you will be an official alumni! As an alumni we provide you with leadership development, job training, resume building, and any other general support that you may need!

We also welcome organizations who wish to have their team members go through our program. Please reach out to the program manager Elizabeth Gama for specifics on organizational trainings.

Our Peer Support Specialist Training is open to anyone residing within California.

Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification Training Schedule

Training Method: Online (live facilitation)

Training Modality: Cohort Style

Training Length: 4 weeks long, 56 hours in class with 6 hours per week of self-paced learning (24 hours outside of class). 80 hours of training total.

Training Hours: Monday – Thursday, 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM

Registration Capacity: 50 Students Maximum

Registration Dates: Ongoing, Multiple dates available. Peer Support Trainings are offered every other month.

For More Information:

www.peerwellnesscollective.org/bestnow

Contact Information:
Elizabeth Gama – Program Manager
Phone: (559) 708-1993
Email: [email protected]