Using a lived experience to support another person going through similar challenges is a powerful tool. Just as a Certified Peer Specialist is an individual who has personal, lived/living experience with a mental health diagnosis who supports others through their mental health challenges using shared experiences, a Family Peer Specialist is an individual who has a family member living with a mental health challenge who supports another individual who has family with mental health challenges. Picture parents of children with mental health challenges supporting each other … this may be the most common form of Family Peer Support, but it can be any familial relationship.

In Pennsylvania, Family Peer Support (FPS) is being provided throughout the commonwealth by various organizations; however, there is currently not a formal credential or billing structure for FPS. The Pennsylvania Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) in partnership with a group of stakeholders is in the process of creating the structure for a Certified Family Peer Support credential through the Pennsylvania Certification Board (PCB).

Once this process is completed we will post information on the CFPS credential on this page.