Certified Peer Support Specialists
Certified Peer Support Specialists (CPSS) provide support to others who can benefit from their lived experiences.
Find out how you can become a Certified Peer Support Specialist.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
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available.
Connect with a Certified Peer Support Specialist
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.
Peer Support Resources in Your Community
Peer Support Services for individuals in various stages of personal recovery are located across the state of North Carolina. These services include:
- Post-crisis services such as referrals for follow-up care
- Assistance transitioning back into the community, including individuals leaving incarceration
- Free Walk-in Centers and Peer Living Rooms for a place to chat or just to, get away for the day and receive support
- Peer Run Respite Homes, provide a safe place for short-term stays when someone needs a nurturing environment
- Daily services for mental health and substance use to reach your recovery goals
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.
