Welcome to the Office of Peer Programs
We support individuals in recovery by training and certifying Peer Support Specialists, helping launch peer-run services, and hosting recovery conferences. Whether you are seeking services or interested in becoming a peer, you have come to the right place.

Jump ahead with these links:
About Our Program | Training & Certification | Recognition & Peer Events | Get Involved | Related Resources

About Our Program

The Office of Peer Programs is led and staffed by individuals with lived experience in recovery. We provide information, technical support, and assistance to consumers and consumer organizations across Alabama. Our mission is to ensure that the voices of people with lived experience are included in the Alabama Department of Mental Health’s planning, management, and service delivery.

Alabama has a long history of valuing the power of peers to support one another and promote recovery. Peer support specialists were first introduced at Greil Hospital in 1994, and the role soon expanded to all state facilities. In 2008, peer support services became available through the community provider network. Over time, this growth led to the establishment of credentialing requirements for peer specialists. In 2016, Substance Use and Mental Illness peer programs merged to form the current Office of Peer Programs.

Today, the office coordinates peer-operated programs, training, and educational opportunities throughout the state. Each year, more than 800 consumers gather at the Alabama Institute for Recovery to learn about timely issues, self-advocacy, and empowerment. Alabama continues to build a peer-driven, recovery-oriented system that addresses the holistic needs of individuals living with mental illness and substance use disorders.

Training & Certification

The Office of Peer Programs coordinates training for individuals in recovery who want to support others through lived experience:

Both programs prepare participants for employment in mental health or substance use provider settings.

Respect Initiative
In addition to certification, the Respect Initiative trains individuals in recovery to share their personal stories in a powerful way. Participants learn to focus their lived experiences into a 10-minute presentation that highlights resilience and recovery, building confidence while educating others.

Upcoming Training Dates (2025):

  • CPS-A (Adult):
    Dec 7–12 – In Person
  • CRSS (Substance Use):
    Oct 5–10 – In Person (Shocco Springs) | Nov 2–7 – Virtual
  • CPS-P (Parent):
    Nov 17-21, 2025 | Feb 23-27, 2026 | May 18-22, 2026 | Aug 17-21, 2026
  • CPS-Y (Youth):
    See 2025–2026 Training Calendar

Recognition & Peer Events

Conferences

  • Alabama Institute for Recovery
    The state’s largest peer-led recovery conference, celebrating its 25th year. Each year, about 800 participants gather for three days of workshops, speakers, awards, and social activities such as the Talent Show, candlelight vigil, and dance. Scholarships make the event accessible to more than 600 attendees annually.
  • Substance Use Consumer Conference
    An annual conference designed by and for individuals in recovery from substance use disorder. Presenters are primarily peers who share their lived experience through workshops, empowerment sessions, and peer-to-peer learning. Scholarships ensure free access for all participants.
  • Substance Use Peer Conference
    A statewide gathering for Certified Recovery Support Specialists (CRSS). The conference focuses on education, peer accomplishments, collaboration, and advocacy to strengthen peer services and promote consumer-operated programs.

Awards

  • Hope Award – Honors individuals or organizations for unifying and benefiting the mental health community statewide.
  • Peer Warrior Award – Recognizes a Certified Recovery Support Specialist for outstanding advocacy and peer support in the field of substance use recovery.
  • Respect Award – Celebrates individuals who consistently embody the principles of RESPECT in supporting people with mental illness.