Many people who have lived through emotional distress, trauma, or mental health lived experience want to use their experience to support others—but may not know how to take that step. The Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) training helps turn lived experience into professional peer support that makes a real impact. This gold standard CPS training is carefully curated and designed for review and curriculum analysis by our funders, board members and multiple stakeholders.

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This is a rigorous, advanced training designed for individuals who already have a foundation in peer support. Through 24+ interactive modules, small group work, and guided assignments, participants learn how to use their own story to foster hope and healing in others—while honoring the principle that healing is a self-determined process.

The primary purpose of the CPS program is to help build a peer workforce in Massachusetts. The training is designed to enhance the tools used by people who already have experience in peer support and the mental health recovery movement. Students bring their lived experience to class and learn how to use their story and skills to assist people receiving services as well as service providers. CPSs are the evidence that recovery is real.

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Kiva Centers is the only organization in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts authorized to provide this training. Upon completion, participants are eligible to sit for the state-recognized certification exam to become a Certified Peer Specialist.

Graduates go on to serve in community and service system roles where lived experience is valued as expertise—bringing insight, connection, and inspiration to the people and systems they work with.