Dear Applicant:

Congratulations on taking the first step toward becoming a Peer Support Specialist in the State of Louisiana! As a Peer Support Specialist, you will play a vital role in the Behavioral Health System of Care, and your application marks the beginning of an important journey.

Prior to applying for the Peer Support Specialist training, we ask you to be aware that the program lasts up to two weeks in length and requires full participation in class. There will be several hours of required homework, making this an intensive experience that demands significant effort and dedication. We encourage you to carefully consider this commitment before submitting your application.

To be considered for this training, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria: be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, have lived experience with behavioral health challenges, and demonstrate at least twelve (12) months of continuous recovery.

Please carefully read each question and provide complete responses. Incomplete applications will not be accepted, so be sure to answer all questions fully and truthfully.

A committee, through a competitive scoring process, will evaluate applications and priority will be given to individuals currently employed as Peer Support Specialists. If accepted, you will have five days from the date of notification to confirm your attendance. Failure to respond within this timeframe will result in your slot being reassigned to another applicant.

The training course fee for Peer Support Specialist training is $500. This fee is used to cover overall training expenses, including instructor costs and materials. To attend the training, participants must submit both the registration fee and a copy of their high school diploma or equivalent before the start of the program.

A small number of scholarships are available, and individuals must apply directly in order to be considered. Contact The Extra Mile at Peer Support Training [email protected] or 337-237-2090 for more information on how to apply for a scholarship or with any questions about the training.

We truly appreciate your interest in the Peer Support Specialist training program and your dedication to fostering recovery, resilience, and wellness throughout Louisiana. Your commitment to this journey will make a meaningful impact, and we are grateful for your support in building stronger, and healthier communities.

Sincerely,

Amanda L. Holmes, PhD, MHM, RFPSS, RPSS,
LA State Program Manager, Recovery Peer Program
[email protected]
Office of Behavioral Health
Louisiana Department