Peer Support Specialist Training

DUE COVID-19 (CORONAVIRUS) WE WILL BE RESCHEDULING ALL OUR PSS TRAININGS TO BE CONDUCTED ONLINE VIA ZOOM.

Project ABLE provides Core Peer Training approved by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA).

Individuals who complete the 40-hour PSST training are eligible to become Oregon State Certified Peer Support Specialists under the Traditional Health Worker (THW) program.

PSST is a one week exciting and interactive course focused on recovery themes such as:
  • Recovery Culture: eliminating power dynamics
  • History of Mental Illness and Addictions Treatment: understanding where we came from and how far we have to go
  • Mental Health and Addictions Recovery: components of recovery
  • Healthy Boundaries: avoiding the rescue triangle
  • Psychological Trauma: compassionate approach
  • Peer Support: wellness and self-care
  • Communication: intentional listening
  • Documentation: knowing the law while staying true to peer support

Project ABLE provides scholarship opportunities to Oregon Veterans, older adults experiencing substance use, individuals experiencing homelessness, individuals experiencing opioid use, and individuals experiencing recent incarceration.  Please contact the Program Director for scholarship eligibility and requirements.

PSST Cost: $525.00
(includes course materials)

PSST 2021 Schedule

Via Zoom

  • September 13th – 17th (Open)
  • September 27th – October 1st (Open)
  • October 11th – 15th (Open)
  • October 25th – 29th (Open)
  • November 1st – 5th (Open)
  • November 15th – 19th (Open)
  • December 13th – 17th (Open)

Please contact Cindie DeMyer for more information:
(503) 363-3260 phone
(503) 585-0491 fax

To pay by check, please send payment to:

Project ABLE
Attn:  Accounts Receivable
1599 State ST NE
Salem OR  97301

PSST Requirements
  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • Must identify as a mental health or addictions peer in recovery defined by OHA
  • Participants must complete 40 training hours and pass end of course assessment to be eligible for the Peer Support Specialist Certification through OHA.
 Project ABLE supports all training participants with the certification process.

Specific Oregon Health Authority (OHA) certification requirements for Traditional Health Workers (THW’s) may be found here:

  • OHA Certified Peer Support Specialist Requirements
    • Be at least 18 years of age
    • You must Not be listed on the Medicaid provider exclusion list
    • You must identify as a peer under one or more of the following:
      • A self-identified person currently or formerly receiving mental health services; or
      • A self-identified person in recovery from an addiction disorder, who meets the abstinence requirements for recovering staff in alcohol and other drug treatment programs (2 years); and
      • Successfully complete the required training offered by an OHA approved training program for Peer Support Specialist
    • Complete an OHA application and send it to the Office of Equity and Inclusion (OEI)
    • The application form is on the OHA OEI website: http://www.oregon.gov/oha/oei/Pages/Traditional-Health-Worker-Program.aspx
    • Pass a criminal history background check administered by the OHA background check unit (BCU)
    • If you have questions about the background check process, contact the Background Check Unit at 503.378.5470 or 888.272.5545 or http://www.oregon.gov/dhs/chc/Pages/tools.aspx