A peer specialist is someone who has lived experience with trauma, mood, and/or substance use challenges, and is open to sharing their journey. They offer support to others on their path to wellness. In addition to pursuing a career, some individuals choose to take the course to enhance their mental wellness. The DBSA Peer Specialist Course is a pioneering learning experience with 20+ years of history. DBSA is one of the world’s most trusted peer training organizations, having trained over 1,000 peer specialists over the past few decades, including being one of only two organizations honored to train new peer specialists at the Veterans Administration (VA)
In 2025, DBSA launched its first-ever scholarship fund to help remove financial barriers for individuals pursuing Certified Peer Specialist training. Made possible through an inaugural donation from Nick Savasta honoring longtime DBSA supporters Kent and Liz Dauten, the fund supported DBSA’s mission to close the gap between mental health professionals and those seeking care by empowering people with lived experience to help others in their communities. Through this initiative, 22 individuals graduated from the Certified Peer Specialist training program, expanding the peer support workforce and increasing nationwide access to mental health support.
Since this first scholarship program launched, DBSA is grateful for the support from a growing list of both individuals and organizations that believe in the value and power of peer support, with special thanks to:
- Andrew and Alice Fischer Charitable Trust
- Nick Savasta
- Sidney R. Baer, Jr. Foundation
Please join us in expanding this initiative by contributing to our scholarship funding. Every $1,600 raised trains one more peer, enabling them to support others with their lived expertise via their lived experiences.
Make an impact by donating today
For more information, please contact DBSA’s Individual Giving Project Manager, Jessica Chervinko, at jchervinko@dbsalliance.org
