Our Training

CAPS Academy is a CALMHSA approved Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Training. The California Association of Peer Supporters Academy is built on the foundation of one of the oldest and best Peer Trainings in California.

Our learning community prepares peers to take the California Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification Exam and our curriculum draws on decades of combined experience providing Peer Support Specialist Certification Training.

The CAPS Academy provides an immersive learning experience:

  • 57 hours of live instruction via Zoom
  • 23 hours of self-paced thoughtwork 
  • Guest Subject Matter Experts with over 30 years’ combined experience
  • 1:1 support meeting with the instructors
  • The option to have a peer partner
  • Exam prep in the form of optional quizzes, teach backs and a dedicated course
  • Classroom and 1:1 instruction on how to register for the exam

We offer ongoing cohorts, each is for 7 weeks. The next upcoming cohort begins June 6th and will be Tues & Weds 9am-1pm     

(Weekend courses coming soon!)

Participants will learn CALMHSA’s 17 Core Competencies in addition to a few other vital topics.

  1. The Concepts of Hope, Recovery & Wellness
  2. Confidentiality
  3. Conflict Resolution
  4. Co-Occurring Disorders
  5. Crisis & Safety Planning
  6. Cultural & Structural Competence
  7. Digital Literacy
  8. Documentation
  9. Employment Services
  10. Group Facilitation Skills
  11. Motivational Interviewing
  12. System Navigation & Referrals
  13. Psychiatric Rehabilitation
  14. The Role of Advocacy
  15. The Role of Consumers & Family Members
  16. Self-Disclosure in the Workplace
  17. Self-Care & Self-Awareness
  18. Trauma Informed Care
  19. Welcoming: The Great Equalizer
  20. Person Centered Language

To learn more about

CALMHSA Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification, click here.
CALMHSA Peer Support Specialist - Code of Ethics, click here.
CALMHSA Peer Support Specialist – Grandparenting Process, click here.