Contact Information: peerheart@paintedbrain.org
Teanna Ross, Program Director
Monday – Friday | 9:00am – 5:00pm
UPCOMING TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES:
January 6, 2025 – February 13, 2025 | 6 Weeks
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday
Evenings | 5:30pm – 9:00pm | Virtual via Zoom
January 7, 2025 – January 28, 2025 | 4 Weeks
Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday
Days | 9:00am – 5:30pm | Virtual via Zoom
March 3, 2025 – May 7, 2025 | 10 Weeks
Monday & Wednesday
Days | 9:30am – 1:30pm | Virtual via Zoom
Los Angeles County! Ignite Your Passion for Helping Others:
Become a Certified Peer Support Specialist through Peer HEART! Ever dream of turning your own experience with mental health or substance use into a force for good? Painted Brain, a superhero squad of peers supporting peers, is here to help you make that dream a reality!
We’re on a mission to empower YOU (especially if you’re Black, Indigenous, LGBTQ+, disabled, or navigating the justice system) to become a Certified Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist (CMPSS). No experience needed, just a willingness to learn and a heart of gold.
This is your opportunity to turn your experiences into a force for good, and we believe in your potential. ✨
LOS ANGELES COUNTY RESIDENTS ENROLL NOW!
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- Free Training: 80 hours approved by CalMHSA
- Financial Support: Exam fee coverage and preparation assistance
- Mentorship: Guidance from experienced Peer Support Specialist
- Work Readiness: Help landing a fulfilling career
Here’s the lowdown on our FREE Peer HEART program:
Prepare to unlock your potential and make a difference. Join Peer HEART and become a certified peer support specialist!
We’ll empower you to define your vocational goals and equip you with the tools to succeed. As a Certified Peer Support Specialist, you’ll gain valuable skills, make a real impact in your community, and open doors to a rewarding mental health and substance use support career.
- Become a certified badass: Get trained in the 17 superpowers of peer support, all approved by the California Mental Health Services Authority (CalMHSA).
- Free training, zero excuses: We’ll cover the costs so you can focus on what matters – changing lives!
- Designed for You: Whether you’re Black, Indigenous, LGBTQ+, disabled, or have limited English, Peer HEART welcomes you with open arms. We value diversity and believe that everyone has a unique perspective to offer.
- Peer mentors by your side: Never feel alone on this journey. Our experienced peers will be there to guide and support you every step of the way. We’re not just a program; we’re a community that’s here for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the main difference between the Standard and Peer HEART Certified Medi-Cal Peer Support Training programs?
- Location: The Standard program is open to participants statewide, while the Peer HEART program is specifically focused on Los Angeles County with an emphasis on Metro and South Los Angeles areas.
- Target Population: The Peer HEART program prioritizes individuals from BIPOC, LGBTQIA, Disability, and ESL communities.
- Additional Services: The Peer HEART program offers additional support, such as GED assistance and work readiness support.
2. What are the eligibility requirements for each program?
- Standard: Must be 18, have a high school diploma, and have lived experience with mental health or substance use.
- Peer HEART: Must be located in Los Angeles County and be a member of one of the targeted communities: BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, Disabled and/or have limited English.
3. How long is each cohort?
- Both cohorts are 80 hours long.
4. Are there any costs associated with the programs?
- The Standard Training Program offers various payment options, including self-pay, employer pay, and scholarships.
- The Peer HEART program provides training scholarship, additional 1-on-1 support, and enrichment/support groups
5. Are there any job placement assistance options available?
- Standard: Provides Job Placement Assistance
- Peer HEART: Provides Work Readiness Support.
6. What is the format of the training?
- Both programs offer virtual cohort options.
- The Peer HEART program also offers in-person cohort options.
7. Are there any additional support services available?
- The Peer HEART program provides1-on-1 Individual support, enrichment/support groups, and linkages to county, city, and state resources and services.
8. Which program is right for me?
- If you live in Los Angeles County and are a member of a targeted community, the Peer HEART program may be a good fit for you. If you live elsewhere in California, the Standard program may be more suitable.
9. Are there any other differences between the programs?
- The Peer HEART program offers additional support services, such as GED assistance, work readiness support as well as other support groups.
Ready to join the movement?
We’re looking for passionate individuals in Los Angeles County who are ready to break down barriers and build a brighter future for themselves and others. To apply, simply fill out our online application form, and we’ll be in touch with the next steps.
Don’t let anything hold you back! We’ll help you overcome challenges with language assistance and support in finding the resources you need. ️Let’s build a stronger, more supportive California together!
Health Recovery Services
Painted Brain, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit, has been awarded a grant to increase access to mental health recovery services in California. This grant will fund the launch of their new Peer Health Education Advocacy Recovery Training (Peer HEART) program.
Peer HEART is a free, low-barrier training program designed to support individuals with lived experience in becoming peer support specialists.