BE PART OF THE SOLUTION

Become a Peer Support Specialist

Transform Your Story Into Your Career!

What if your toughest moments could become your most powerful tool for helping others?

At Painted Brain, we believe your lived experience with mental health or substance use recovery isn't just valuable – it's essential. Our Certified Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Training turns your personal journey into professional expertise.

Here's what makes us different:

  • We're peer-run by people who've walked your path

  • Over 10 years serving California's diverse communities

  • No college degree needed – your recovery story is your credential

  • Training led by peers, for peers

You've already done the hardest part – now let us help you share your strength with others who need it most.

Unlock Your Potential with Painted Brain

Our training opens doors to incredible opportunities:

  • No college degree necessary: Your lived experience is your most valuable credential.

  • Career opportunities available: Become certified and discover diverse career paths in interdepartmental settings across California.

  • Flexible Payment Options: 

    • Paid options: 

      • Employer Pay or Self-Pay | Fee: $1,600

    • Scholarship options:

      • CalMHSA Scholarship

      • Painted Brain Scholarship | We offer our own scholarship program through an application process for organizations and their staff, and individuals who are dedicated to entering the behavioral health workforce in the next six months. This scholarship program is funded by our HCAI (The Department of Health Care Access and Information) grant.

Join the Painted Brain family and become part of a movement that is transforming mental health services in California, one peer at a time. Are you ready to turn your lived experience into a powerful tool for change?

Benefits of Becoming a Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist

Becoming a Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist opens doors to a wide array of career opportunities, making a college degree optional. You can find fulfilling roles within County and Nonprofit Organizations, including Health & Human Services and Healthcare Community Services, often collaborating with professionals across various disciplines.

The career paths are incredibly varied, ranging from direct service roles like Peer Support Specialist and Peer Supervisor to leadership positions such as Consultant, Psychosocial Educator, Project Manager, CEO, or Executive Director. Your lived experience is highly valued and can lead to significant impact and professional growth.

Painted Brain’s Certified Medi-Cal Peer Support Training Program scholarship program is funded by the California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) through the voter approved Mental Health Service Act (MHSA).

Deborah Roberson
Executive Director, T.D.D. Supportive Living Inc.

“Thank you for making this transformative experience possible and believing in lived experience's power to create meaningful change.”

Get Certified, Get Hired, Get Started

Painted Brain is committed to support you every step of the way.

What You’ll Learn

  • Hope, recovery, and wellness principles

  • Advocacy and peer support skills

  • Trauma-informed care

  • Crisis planning and safety

  • Professional ethics and boundaries

  • Documentation and digital literacy

  • Group facilitation

  • And 10 more essential competencies

Where You Can Work

Where You Can Work

  • County health departments

  • Nonprofit organizations

  • Healthcare systems

  • Community mental health centers

  • Behavioral health programs

Career Paths Include

  • Peer Support Specialist

  • Peer Supervisor

  • Program Coordinator

  • Project Manager

  • Mental Health Educator

  • Community Advocate

Real jobs. Real impact. Real change.

Start Your Journey Today

Ready to turn your lived experience into meaningful work?

Investment Options:

  • Self-Pay or Employer Pay: $1,600

  • CalMHSA Scholarship: Full funding available

  • Painted Brain Scholarship: For dedicated individuals entering behavioral health within 6 months

What You Need:

  • Be 18 or older

  • High school diploma or equivalent

  • Personal experience with mental health or substance use recovery (yourself or family member)

  • Willingness to share your story

  • Commitment to helping others

Ready to Get Started? Join hundreds of peers who've transformed their lives and are now transforming their communities. Your story matters. Your voice is needed. Your future in behavioral health starts here.

Apply now and become part of changing mental health care in California – one peer at a time.

Foundational training for California Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialists includes proficiency in the following Core Competencies:

1. The concepts of hope, recovery, and wellness.

2. The role of advocacy.

3. The role of consumers and family members.

4. Psychiatric rehabilitation skills and service delivery, and addiction recovery principles, including defined practices.

5. Cultural and structural competence training.

6. Trauma-informed care.

7. Group facilitation skills.

8. Self-awareness and self-care.

9. Co-occurring disorders of mental health and substance use.

10. Conflict resolution.

11. Professional boundaries and ethics.

12. Preparation for employment opportunities.

13. Safety and crisis planning.

14. Navigation of, and referral to, other services.

15. Documentation skills and standards.

16. Confidentiality.

17. Digital literacy.

Edward Cervantes

"The struggle is never over but the Painted Brain peer support training helped me to turn the struggle into a strength."

WE SET YOU UP FOR SUCCESS

Painted Brain’s Certified Medi-Cal Peer Support Training Program

At Painted Brain, we believe in the power of lived experience. As a peer-run Community Mental Health Treatment Center and non-profit operating and serving the diverse communities of California for over a decade, our mission is to create lasting community-based solutions to mental health challenges and the impact of social injustice. We do this through arts, advocacy, and enterprise, and our training program is a cornerstone of that mission.

What truly sets our workforce training program apart is our deep-rooted expertise as a peer-run organization. We are not just a training provider; we are a community of individuals who have navigated mental health and substance use challenges ourselves. This means our training is not theoretical – it's peer-led, peer-delivered, peer-driven, and peer-centered. This unique approach ensures that you receive practical, empathetic, and highly relevant instruction from those who truly understand the journey.

We are a trusted leader in innovative peer-driven services and training across behavioral health, digital literacy, and the arts. Our staff and reach reflect the rich tapestry of California's communities, including individuals from LGBTQ+, re-entry, disability, and ethnically and linguistically diverse backgrounds. This lived experience informs every aspect of our training, providing a culturally competent and inclusive learning environment.

CONTINUING EDUCATION

Justice Involved Specialization

Limited Time Only - Scholarships Available!

As an Approved Vendor for the Justice Involved Specialization, and as a training organization that prioritizes lived experience, PB is the ideal source for training!

- Read evidence-based curriculum written by people who have been Justice Involved

- Get instruction from people with Justice Involvement experience

- Learn the basics of working with people returning from incarceration

- Develop tools to use your lived experience supporting others

- 40 hours of live instruction (via Zoom)

Upcoming Classes:

August 18, 2025 - September 2, 2025 M,T,W,Th 1:00pm - 5:00pm via Zoom

September 8, 2025 - September 23, 2025 M,T,W,Th 1:00pm - 5:00pm via Zoom

Law & Ethics for Peers

We're excited to announce the launch of our new 6 hour self-paced Law & Ethics for Peers course, now available for enrollment! This essential training is designed to give you a strong grasp of the legal and ethical considerations vital to your role.

Why "Law & Ethics for Peers" Matters

This isn't just about checking a box; it's about empowering you to navigate the complexities of peer support with confidence and integrity. You'll dive into core principles and relevant laws, giving you the clarity you need to excel in your work. Plus, you'll learn how to recognize when to seek additional support for those really tough situations, helping you confidently address challenges and maintain professional boundaries.

Limited Time Only! Save 40% Through July 31st
Click below for details

Upcoming Events

Resume Refresh Workshop

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM PST

Virtual Via Zoom

2nd & 4th Thursday

Take the next step in your professional journey! This biweekly workshop is tailored to help peer support specialists develop powerful resumes that showcase their unique qualifications. We'll focus on highlighting your lived experience, empathy, and advocacy skills to create a resume that empowers you to achieve your career goals. Join us to build your confidence and unlock new opportunities in the workforce.

Peer Support Certification Training

TWTH 9:30AM - 1:30 PM PST

Virtual Via Zoom

July 1 - Aug 13, 2025

Turn Your Life Experience into a Career as a Peer Support Specialist

Open to LA County residents with mental health or substance use experience. 80-hour training includes certification, exam fees, and career support. No prior experience needed - just your story and desire to help others. Ready to start? Fill out our quick form.

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 9:30am– 1:30pm | Virtual via Zoom

Peer Support Specialist Virtual Open House

July 7, 2025

12:00-1:00 PM PST
Virtual via Zoom

Interested in becoming a Peer Support Specialist and starting a career in Mental Health? Our virtual open house will give you a run through of the program, training and support given with a Peer Specialist live. They can answer any questions about career opportunities, scholarships and job placement. Join us and learn how you can help your community and start your career in mental health.

Peer Support Certification Training

TWTH 9:00AM - 5:30 PM PST

Virtual Via Zoom

July 23 - Aug 13, 2025

Turn Your Life Experience into a Career as a Peer Support Specialist

Open to LA County residents with mental health or substance use experience. 80-hour training includes certification, exam fees, and career support. No prior experience needed - just your story and desire to help others. Ready to start? Fill out our quick form.

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 9:00am– 5:30pm | Virtual via Zoom

Continuing Education: Justice Involved Specialization Training

MTWTH 1:00PM - 5:00 PM PST

Virtual Via Zoom

Aug 18 - Sept 2, 2025

Note: this training is for those who are currently certified as Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialists. Individuals who sign up for this program and complete the requirements will be equipped with the skills to support consumers during re-entry such as navigating the justice system, resource linkage, and building on natural supports for clients.

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 1:00pm– 5:00pm | Virtual via Zoom

Continuing Education: Justice Involved Specialization Training

MTWTH 1:00PM - 5:00 PM PST

Virtual Via Zoom

Sept 9 - Sept 23, 2025

Note: this training is for those who are currently certified as Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialists. Individuals who sign up for this program and complete the requirements will be equipped with the skills to support consumers during re-entry such as navigating the justice system, resource linkage, and building on natural supports for clients.

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 1:00pm– 5:00pm | Virtual via Zoom

Peer Support: A Revolution in Mental Health

Peer support represents a revolutionary shift in mental health care - moving from treating people as patients to empowering them as active participants in their own recovery. Born from the civil rights and psychiatric survivor movements of the 1960s-70s, peer support specialists formalized the powerful idea that those with lived mental health experience could be uniquely qualified to help others.

As certified professionals, peer support specialists combine their personal recovery journeys with specialized training to:

* Connect authentically with others facing similar challenges

* Inspire hope by being living proof that recovery is possible

* Bridge the gap between clinical care and real-world recovery

* Challenge stigma and advocate for person-centered care

This approach fundamentally changed mental health services by validating lived experience as expertise and establishing peers as essential members of healthcare teams - marking a historic shift toward more humane, recovery-focused mental health care.

TESTIMONIALS

  • "Don't lose hope and may you be blessed with the opportunity to see your efforts reach success."

    For a person like myself who was charged with ADW at the age of 16, many hopes and dreams die at the moment you are convicted. Being able to take this training gave my life light again. I don't have to work shady jobs for low pay anymore and as a bonus I get to help people again. I know that helping others is my passion. With passion in the fuel tank and an opportunity like this, I can only feel grateful for the life I've lived. Don't lose hope and may you be blessed with the opportunity to see your efforts reach success.

    With much gratitude and love,

    Julio Reyes 

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FAQs

  • The 80-hour Peer Support Specialist training program has a value of $1,600 but is offered at no cost to eligible participants, thanks to a California state-funded grant.

    Eligibility Requirements:

    • You must have lived experience with mental health or substance use challenges, or be a family member or caretaker of someone who has experienced these challenges.

    • You must have a valid California State ID.

    • A High School Diploma or GED equivalent is not required for our program; however, it is necessary to sit for the state certification exam.

  • Our training takes place online via Zoom with instructor-led classes.

  • We offer different training sessions to accommodate various schedules, including:

    • Weekday sessions: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM

    • Weekday part-time sessions: 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM

    • Evening sessions: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

    • Saturday classes: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM

    For updated class schedules and to register, please visit:Class Registration Form

  • For safety reasons, we ask that you do not drive during the training sessions. We want to ensure that all participants can fully engage and focus on the material. Please plan to be in a safe, stationary location during class time.

  • Having a justice-involved background will not necessarily disqualify you from becoming a Peer Support Specialist. Your lived experience can be a valuable asset. While some positions may have specific background check requirements, many roles highly value and prioritize lived experience.

  • With a Peer Support Specialist Certification, you can pursue roles in various settings, including:

    • Community mental health centers

    • Hospitals

    • Substance use treatment facilities

    • Peer-run organizations

    • California state agencies, cities, and municipalities

    Common job titles include:

    • Peer Support Specialist

    • Peer Recovery Coach

    • Mental Health Advocate

  • Painted Brain provides job readiness support, including resume building, interview preparation, and networking opportunities. We also maintain connections with local employers and assist with job placement when possible.

  • Item descYes! Our 80-hour training program covers all essential competencies required for the CalMHSA certification. We provide practice exercises, review materials, and guidance to help you prepare for the exam.

  • TPainted Brain offers a reimbursement program to assist recent graduates with the $250 certification fee. The process is as follows:

    1. Upfront Payment: Graduates initially pay the $250 certification fee out-of-pocket.

    2. Receipt Submission: They take a picture of the payment receipt and upload it via a designated form provided by Painted Brain.

    Reimbursement: Upon receipt verification, Painted Brain processes the reimbursement and mails a check to the graduate within 4 to 6 weeks.

  • To become a certified Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist in California, candidates must pay the following fees:

    • Certification Application Fee: $100

    • Certification Exam Fee: $150

    • Total Cost: $250

Painted Brain’s Certified Medi-Cal Peer Support Training Program scholarship program is funded by the California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) through the voter approved Mental Health Service Act (MHSA).

Let’s Stay in Touch.

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