Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research (06/07/24) Adjabeng, Bernice K.; de Saxe Zerden, Lisa

A survey of peer support specialists assessed the adequacy of the behavior health system's peer support workforce's training and perceptions of the SAMHSA core competencies discussed in their training. The survey collected data from 667 certified peer support specialists (CPSS) from North Carolina, Kentucky, Virginia and Tennessee. More than 90% of the respondents said they felt prepared to provide services. In terms of coverage of the SAMHSA core competencies, two distinct response patterns were highly and moderately sufficient coverage, based on participants' years of experience, state of residence, education level, race and sense or preparedness. While the specialists' perspectives and training were similar, they suggested additional training in the areas of trauma-practices, motivational interviewing and new treatment approaches. The results suggest that "booster training sessions or continuing education opportunities are needed to maintain a robust and well-prepared peer support workforce," the researchers write. "States should consider reciprocity agreements to enable the trained workforce to practice across states."

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