DBSA offers a course that allows students to reflect on their mental health journey and develop specific skills to help them work effectively with others. Facilitated by DBSA instructors, this comprehensive, independent, and highly interactive course provides a solid foundation for learning recovery principles, peer support intervention skills, and ethical practices.
Schedule and Time Commitment
Week 1
The course begins by allowing students to discover that what they have lived through—their unique stories—can be turned into a dynamic skill set for themselves and their personal wellness, as well as for supporting and serving others.
Approximately 44 hours of self-paced independent learning
Week 2
The second week is a deep and dynamic exploration of those skills, learning how to develop and nurture them. DBSA believes it is one of the most unique and influential courses humans can take. We are proud of this and take this responsibility very seriously.
Approximately 32 hours of a 4-day online Zoom workshop. Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM, Central Standard Time (CST)
Week 3
In the third week, students will take a comprehensive quiz to ensure that they have fully understood and retained the knowledge from the previous two weeks. The quiz will cover key concepts and practical applications learned during the course.
Approximately 4 hours at the student’s leisure
Week 4
During the fourth week, DBSA evaluates student performance and issues certificates of completion.
No time commitment
Important Information Regarding State Certification
If you are pursuing your state’s peer credential, please confirm with your state credentialing board that DBSA’s Peer Specialist Course applies to their requirements. You may also advise your state credentialing board that DBSA’s Peer Specialist Course is VA-Approved, one of the only courses approved to train VA Peer Specialists.
Now that you know the process, learn the facts.
