Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Training
Community Action Marin offers California Mental Health Services Authority (CalMHSA)-approved Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Program, preparing individuals for certification and employment or volunteer roles in the public mental health system. Through peer-to-peer training, people with lived experience of recovery from mental illness or substance use, either personally or as a parent, caregiver, or family member, gain the skills needed to pass the certification exam.
About the Program
This program equips participants with the skills needed for certification and careers in the mental health field. It professionalizes peer work, expands workforce development opportunities, and strengthens peers’ ability to contribute effectively to multidisciplinary care teams.
What You’ll Learn
The program focuses on 17 core behavioral health skills aligned with Peer Specialist competencies identified by the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS). Topics include:
- The recovery model
- Communication skills
- Trauma-informed care
- Cultural competency
- Medi-Cal code of ethics, and more.
Next Cohort Availability: Fall 2026
To participate in the program, all participants must:
| Be at least 18 years of age. |
| Possess a high school diploma or equivalent degree. |
| Self-identify as having experience with the process of recovery from mental illness or substance use disorder, either as a consumer of these services or as the parent, caregiver, or family member. |
| Have a strong dedication to recovery. |
| Agree in writing to adhere to a code of ethics. |
| Attend a weekly three hour in-person session in Novato, CA. |
| Pay the pre-person price of $1600 before the start of the class. * A limited number of scholarships are available for this program. |
Participants are expected to complete 80 hours of state-approved training over 12 weeks through a cohort-based program. The training combines online and in-person learning, with one required in-person three hour evening session per week at our headquarters in Novato, CA.
Scholarships
Limited scholarship opportunities are available. More information about eligibility and applying will be provided when the application window re-opens.
Fees
All participants must pay the following fees:
| Program Application Fee | $150 |
| Training Course Tuition | $1,600 |
| Exam Fee | $150 |
How to Apply
Service Inquiry Form
- Complete our Service Inquiry Form.
- Note your interest in PSS in the box that asks: “Tell us how we can help you.”
Enrollment Process
A member of our team will reach out with additional questions and to share more information. If you qualify, you’ll be:
- Provided a link to enroll in the program.
- Informed of scholarship opportunities and payment options.
- Sent a baseline assessment form.
After completion of the baseline assessment and receipt of tuition, you will be provided with an orientation packet and any further information needed to start, including a link to the Moodle Learning Platform used throughout the course.