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!

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

Specialization Training Schedule

Specialization(s) Offered:
– Peer Services in Crisis Care Specialization (40 hours)
– Peer Services for Unhoused (40 hours)

Training Method: Online (live facilitation) via Zoom

Training Modality:  Cohort Style

Training Length: 4 Weeks. (9 hours in class per week, 1 hour of self-paced learning per week for a total of 40 hours of training).

Training Hours: Tuesday – Thursday 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Registration Capacity: 60 Students Maximum

Registration Dates: Ongoing, Multiple dates available.

Link to register for classes:
https://forms.gle/hp3TyLeqHu3Gd3WBA

Contact Information:     

Elizabeth Gama, 559-708-1993
[email protected]