Certified Peer Support Specialists

Certified Peer Support Specialists (CPSS) provide support to others who can benefit from their lived experiences.

Certified Peer Support Specialists (CPSS) are highly trained individuals with lived experience who can help you with your mental health and substance use recovery. They are people with personal lived experience that may be just like yours. Certified Peer Support Specialists:

• Meet you where you are without judgment
• Help you navigate the system for treatment, employment, housing, and relationships
• Teach you how to advocate for yourself and work with your treatment plan 

Connect with a Certified Peer Support Specialist

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. The Statewide Peer Warmline offers free, confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 1-855-PEERS NC (1-855-733-7762) to talk with a trained Peer Support Specialist. The Peer Warmline and the 988 Lifeline are available to anyone, anytime.

The CHESS Connections App also provides free peer support from North Carolina Certified Peer Support Specialists. You can chat or talk with trained peers who can help you find resources and connect with your community for ongoing support.

Want to see where peer specialists are making a difference across North Carolina? Explore the Certified Peer Support Specialist Map to locate mental health and recovery programs led by trained peers in your area. 

Certified Peer Support Specialists in the Workforce

CPSS have a vital role in the mental health and substance use workforce. The Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services (DMHDDSUS) values the expertise of people with lived experience. DMHDDSUS is streamlining training to support the peer workforce. Through future work initiatives, DMHDDSUS envisions a well-trained and well-utilized peer workforce whose work leverages lived experience.