A Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) is someone who has completed training and received certification through the Pennsylvania Board. CPS are individuals with lived MH experience and have developed skills to manage their own wellness, which provides personal expertise that cannot be replicated in other treatment modalities. CPS share their personal story to promote understanding, build connection, and inspire hope. A CPS helps a young person plan for what is important, set goals, and build skills to achieve them.
A CPS serves as an advocate and mentor while providing direct assistance and support to help a young person realize their goals. A CPS meets at least weekly in the home and community with a focus on helping the young person maintain personal wellness and develop the use of coping skills, build social skills and a social community, identify educational and/or employment opportunities, improve functioning in their environment, and enhance and practice daily living skills.
Young people who:
* Individuals with a primary Autism Diagnosis and secondary SED/SMI are eligible for CPS services with approval through an Exceptions Review process with the MCO.
* Not Eligible: Young people with an Autism only diagnosis or a Substance Use only diagnosis
Referrals can be made by the young person, family members, service providers, Children and Youth, JPO, schools, and other community sources. Referrals are to be made with the involvement of the young person and shall include their signature of consent. Referrals must include a written recommendation outlining diagnosis and functional impairment by a Licensed Practitioner of the Healing Arts (LPHA): Psychologist, Psychiatrist, LPC, LCSW, LMFT, etc. Peer support services may work in conjunction and overlap with other MH services – both clinical and non-clinical.
With the key concepts of hope, personal responsibility, education, self-advocacy, and support, the CPS will work with the TAY in developing their own Individualized Service Plan (ISP) and Crisis Plan. The CPS will also help the young adult identify community resources, develop organizational skills for daily living, and help plan around social supports. With permission of the young adult, the CPS will work together with family members and natural supports to advance and overcome barriers and societal stigmas that often come with the labels of serious mental illness or emotional disturbance. The CPS will meet young adults where they are most comfortable, in their home or community.
Send Referrals To:
DIRECTOR: NIKKI KLINE
EMAIL: nkline@childandfamilyfocus.org
PHONE: 610-324-9360
2935 Byberry Rd
Suite 108 Hatboro, PA 19040
CPS Bucks County Referral Form
450 Parkway Dr
Suite 208
Broomall, PA 19008
CPS Delaware County Referral Form
11 Davis Rd
Building 2, Suite 300 and 320
Phoenixville, PA 19460
