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A newsletter of the Washington State Health Care Authority Office of Recovery Support. |
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“Authenticity is a collection of choices that we have to make every day. It's about the choice to show up and be real. The choice to be honest. The choice to let our true selves be seen.”
~Brene Brown, Ph.D., author, researcher, speaker
(quote from "The Gifts of Inspiration," 2010)
Occurring yearly on October 10, the overall objective of World Mental Health Day is, according to the World Health Organization, "to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health. The Day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide.”
This year’s theme, set by the World Federation for Mental Health, is Access to services: Mental health in catastrophes and emergencies. This theme highlights the importance of people being able to protect their mental health in any situation, no matter how dire. Everyone deserves good mental health, regardless of circumstance.
Photo of Renew Peers, used by permission
Renew – Grant Behavioral Health and Wellness is Grant County’s public behavioral health authority, providing comprehensive mental health and substance use services to individuals and families across the East Central Washington area.
With six service sites, Renew ensures access to crisis response, outpatient treatment, case management, and wraparound supports. The mission of this organization, founded in 1971, is to promote recovery, resilience, and community well-being through person-centered care and evidence-based behavioral health practices.
WISe Peers have all submitted to DOH their new CPSS/CPSS-T applications and are on their way to becoming credentialed! This is a huge step in the Peer movement, and we are proud to say that here at Renew we have supported their necessary training and their growth.
Nomination written and submitted by therapist Velma DeLaRosa, M.A.
Nominate a Peer
Your work matters. Your stories inspire others. Think of the CPCs, CPSSs, or Peer-run organizations who you think deserve a little extra gratitude. We would love to highlight them in these newsletters.
Send your nominations at any time, including as much information about their impact as possible, like:
- Name of person/organization
- Their location
- Why are you highlighting them?
- Their picture (optional)
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Operationalizing Peer Support (OPS)
HCA’s Operationalizing Peer Support (OPS) program supports agencies and organizations who want to begin offering or already offer peer services and need assistance with the implementation and operationalization of peer services.
OPS provides three services to Peer supervisors and administrators: Weekly Office Hours, OPS Training, and an OPS Supervisor and Administrator Webinar Series (book club).
OPS Trainings
This training consists of evidence-based knowledge that is essential for peer supervision and administration. It also provides opportunities for an open dialogue, in a supportive and judgment-free environment.
This virtual training consists of evidence-based knowledge and leading practices that are essential for peer support supervision and administration. It also provides opportunities for an open dialogue, in a safe environment.
Attendance will be tracked for those required to complete the OPS training and those who would like to receive a certificate of completion.
- Thursday, October 9: 9 a.m. to noon
- Thursday, October 16: 9 a.m. to noon
- Thursday, October 23: 9 a.m. to noon
- Wednesday, October 29: 1 to 4 p.m.
- Tuesday, November 4: 9 a.m. to noon
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Wednesday, November 12: 9 a.m. to noon
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Thursday, November 13: 9 a.m. to noon
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Thursday, November 20: 9 a.m. to noon
Pre-registration is required. To sign up, email OPS with your preferred dates.
OPS Webinar series
Webinars explore topics relevant to organizations that provide Peer support services in both Medicaid-reimbursed and non-Medicaid settings.
OPS offers an engaging and interactive monthly webinar series that combines the best of a book club with professional development. Each month, current Administrators and Supervisors of Peer Support Specialists will read one module from the new 80-hour Certified Peer Specialist training before our live session.
During each webinar, we will come together for discussions, breakout room activities, and group shares to explore the content. This is your opportunity to connect, share insights, and enhance your understanding of the principles and leading practices that are central to the work of Certified Peer Support Specialists.
Whether you’re just starting your journey as a supervisor or looking to refine your skills, this series offers a supportive and collaborative space to learn and grow together.
Pre-registration for the webinars is required. These webinars are for current administrators and supervisors of Peer Support Specialists. This series began September 24, 2025, with an introduction to the curriculum.
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Wednesday, October 22, 11 a.m. to noon: Module 1: The Certified Peer Support Specialist Role
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Wednesday, November 19, 11 a.m. to noon: Module 2: Trauma-informed Care in Peer Support
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Wednesday, December 17, 11 a.m. to noon: Module 3: Peer Partnerships and Strengths-based Communication
Crisis Awareness and Communication in Peer Support (CACPS)
Since July 1, 2025, any entity that uses certified peer specialists as peer crisis responders, may only use certified peer specialists who have completed CACPS training.
CACPS training details:
- Attendees must be certified peer counselors. (If your name has changed since your initial peer certification, please let the training organization know to avoid being removed from registration.)
- Peers working in crisis settings are given priority.
- Peers must complete the online prerequisite "Power of peer support in crisis services" training to attend this training and download a copy of the certificate to be offered as proof of completion to the hosting training organization.
- Peers must complete the post-traumatic growth survey (sent by the training organization) before the first day of training.
- Peers must attend the training in person, there is no virtual option.
- The training is 36 hours.
- Peers must cover their own travel and hotel accommodations.
- Breakfast, refreshments, and lunch will be provided during the training day.
Times, dates, and locations for CACPS trainings may shift and change in response to regional needs. Please reach out to Amanda Polley for more information.
Supervisors of Peers
If you are currently a supervisor of Peers or on a track to supervise Peers, take our new training developed for people who are supervisors of Peers or who are on track to become supervisors of Peers.
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New certified Peer specialist FAQ
Have questions about the changes related to the new legislation about certified Peer specialists?
Washington Peer Network
The Washington Peer Network provides comprehensive and accessible training and support for peer counselors across our state.
Department of Health Peer Specialist licensing
Are you interested in knowing more about what the Department of Health (DOH) is doing to support the efforts of recent Peer legislation (SSB5555) and moving forward with our Washington State Legislators and the future of licensing for Peer services?
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Need support with your organization's peer support program?
Drop-in meetings are designed for providers who supervise Peer Specialists or administer Peer support services.
Drop in to the Operationalizing Peer Support (OPS) office hours: weekly Mondays from 1 to 2 p.m.
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Washington Peer Network open peer support hours
Launched in February, WPN hosts an open, one-hour-long virtual meeting every weekday.
This is a space for Peer supporters to network, connect, and will be a safe and supportive space for Peers to receive the support they need.
The meetings are daily from 9 to 10 a.m.
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The Washington Peer jobs database is an online platform dedicated to connecting individuals in the behavioral health and substance use recovery fields with employment opportunities.
This database is a centralized resource for peer support roles that offers listings for job seekers and recruitment tools for employers.
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Poetry is a great avenue for self-expression and community-building. Every month, we feature poetry written by peers in the community.
To be considered for publication in the newsletter, submit a hopeful, resilience-inspired poem to Marie Marchand, our Peer support training coordinator, before the twentieth of the month.
Nominate a Peer poet or submit a poem of your own to be featured in our October newsletter!
Live event captioning available
Communication Access Real-time Transcription (CART) services, or live closed captioning, are available for events, on demand. Scheduling CART services requires a three-week lead-time.
To request this accommodation, please submit a request as soon as possible to Marie Marchand.
If you make your request less than a week in advance of the event, our language access manager cannot guarantee that a CART writer will be available.
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