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The Academy of Peer Services (APS) is an online, on-demand, self-directed training and testing website offering a wide range of interactive multimedia courses for those seeking certification in New York State as peer specialists in mental health settings. Courses on the supervision of peer specialists are also available.

APS is a collaboration between Rutgers University, Dept. of Psychiatric Rehabilitation, The New York Association of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services (NYAPRS), and a growing network of Community Collaborators.
To learn more about our project team and Advisory Council, click here.

The Academy is funded through the New York State Office of Mental Health (NYSOMH), Office of Consumer Affairs
 
Certification for peer specialists practicing in mental health settings  is administered and authorized through a separate organization: the New York Peer Specialist Certification Board (NYPSCB).
 
While designed for the certification of peer specialists providing services in mental health settings, anyone with an interest in learning more about peer support is welcome to take courses.
 
Enrollment is free and open to all, but it is subject to our Terms of Use.


APS Term Start/ End Dates

2024 Term 1 
Open 1/15/24  Close 4/12/24 

2024 Term 2 
Open 5/13/24  Close 8/9/24 

2024 Term 3 
Open 9/9/24  Close 12/6/24 

APS Brochure
For a downloadable brochure, click here.

Specialization Track 
The APS Specialization Track includes six online modules designed specifically for Certified Peer Specialists interested in specialized training in one of five key areas:

  • Peer Support for Health and Wellness Promotion 
  • Peer Support for Older Adults 
  • Peer Support for Individuals in Crisis
  • Peer Support for Justice Involved Individuals
  •  Supervision of Peer Supporters
Each APS Specialization Track includes six online modules with in-depth coverage of the core knowledge and skills needed to provide peer support to specific populations, examples of lived experience, and practice activities to demonstrate knowledge. The five Tracks are designed to increase access to peer services for specialty populations, increase the capacity of agencies to provide peer services, and to support the retention of peer staff through quality peer-informed supervision. These Tracks and courses do not qualify for continuing education credit, but do qualify for NYPSCB designation. Check out the Specialization Track catalog for more details and course descriptions.

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Last modified: Wednesday, January 10, 2024, 10:14 AM