DBSA’s 5-week course can help you prepare for certification as a Peer Support Specialist. Through a blend of individual learning, group discussions, presentations, and role-playing, you will gain the skills you need to help others move toward wellness.
2022 DBSA Peer Course Schedule
Peer Support Specialist courses are offered on a rolling basis throughout the year. The 5-week, 74-hour course is a blend of independent learning and remote group learning, along with a five-day Building the Skills workshop. To protect the health of all students, the entire course will be offered online.
In order to pass the course and receive a certificate, students must attend and actively participate in all 5 days of the Building the Skills workshop in real-time, along with live, distance-learning discussions in Weeks 2 and 5. Therefore, all students must be prepared to meet the following technical requirements:
- Internet connection to support Zoom video conferencing.
- Computer, laptop, or smartphone with the functionality to access a Zoom link. You can check this by going to https://zoom.us/ and installing the app. You will need to open a free account in order to install Zoom.
- Computer, laptop, or smartphone that has a webcam.
- Ability to sit and focus on a videoconferencing call for 7.5 hours a day for 5 days.
DBSA will contact you 3 weeks prior to the start of the course to conduct a technical assessment. If it is found you do not have the necessary equipment or internet connection to fully participate, and you are unable to upgrade to those specifications, you will be refunded the $1,500 tuition minus the $75.00 non-refundable registration fee.
We appreciate your interest in the course. We also acknowledge the unique environment in which we are living and appreciate your patience as we navigate virtual delivery of the 5-week course.
More about DBSA’s Peer Specialist Course
- 25 hours of independent learning
- 9 hours of remote group learning
- 37 hours of virtual workshop exercises
Participants will reflect on their own mental health journey and develop skills that draw upon this experience to assist others in their recovery. Course work includes outside reading, completion of homework assignments, group distance learning discussions, quizzes, role-playing, evaluations, and a final test. Students must be available to attend all activities and achieve a passing grade on all quizzes and the final test to receive a certificate of completion.
Schedule and Fees
Week 1 | Independent learning: 15 hours
Week 2 | Remote group learning: 4.5 hours
Week 3 | 5-day Building the Skills virtual workshop: 37 hours
Week 4 | Independent learning: 10 hours
Week 5 | Remote group learning: 4.5 hours
Comprehensive final exam: 3 hours
Tuition: $1,500
Non-refundable registration fee: $75 (due with your application)
If you are approved to participate, your registration fee will be applied to your tuition.
