Digital Peer Support Specialists
A Certified Digital Peer Support Specialist is a trained peer supporter with expertise in digital peer support technologies such as smartphone apps, digital analytical techniques such as digital phenotyping, and practical issues like accessing free or low-cost technologies, privacy and ethics, and informed consent
Digital peer support supports recovery, is built on the evidence, and has been shown scientifically to increase the capacity of peer support specialists and service users to engage technologies– leading to better mental health, physical health, and social health outcomes. Certification to become a Digital Peer Support Specialist meets SAMHSA’s criteria for recovery-based practice and the core competencies of peer support.
The certification includes 12 clock hours that can be submitted to certification boards.
Digital Peer Support Specialists recertify each year to ensure high-quality delivery of digital peer support. Recertification allows for the continued use to incorporate digital peer support tools in your work, access to the Certified Digital Peer Support Specialist community, and ongoing consultation with DPS experts. The annual recertification fee is $50, and requires reviewing the state-of-the-science of digital peer support and passing a digital peer support multiple choice exam with an 80% or higher.
DPSC Train the Trainer
Individuals who have been certified as Digital Peer Support Specialists are eligible to become Certified Digital Peer Support Master Trainer.
Certified Digital Peer Support Master Trainer can:
Recruit and train their own cohort of new DPSCs in their state
- The ability to develop their own pricing model for their trainings
- Access to DPS tools to support learning
- On-going access to our library of resources and support from DPS staff