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Peer Support Specialist (Adult Mental Health) Training

This course prepares students to be certified as a Peer Support Specialist (PSS) through the Oregon Health Authority. A Peer Support Specialist is an individual with shared, lived experience with substance use and/or mental health who provides supportive services to a current or former consumer of mental health or addiction treatment. A PSS is also a consumer advocate who facilitates connections between individuals and needed services and activities.

Health Careers Center

 

Course Registration Steps

1Apply to be a COCC student (skip this if you are already a student)

 You have two options when applying to become a student at COCC:

  • Non-degree-seeking - Just interested in taking the Peer Support course and not pursuing a certificate or degree right now? Apply and complete the enrollment steps - Click on Non-degree Enrollment Steps. 
  • Degree or Certificate-seeking - Planning to earn a degree while taking a Peer Support Course? Click Apply Now to COCC

  • Please note that after you complete your admissions application and enrollment steps, you’ll still need to complete steps 2 and 3 below to register for the Peer Support course. 

2Request instructor approval

This class requires instructor approval. Place be sure to complete the steps outlined in the instructor approval form. - Winter 2026 class is full. 

This form will be reviewed and students will receive an email from the instructor to enroll in the class. This will occur after all registrations have opened so that all can register for the class if approved and there is space.

You will need your COCC ID number and email to complete this form. 

Please be sure to check your COCC email around the first week of December for Winter Classes and first week of June for Summer Classes. 

3Register for the class

Once approved, register for class using the CRN or course name. Call admissions at 541-383-7500 or email welcome@cocc.edu to register for the class. 

For any questions about the class and more information, please contact the Health Careers Outreach Coordinator at healthcareers@cocc.edu

 

What you will learn:

  • The recovery model process and stages of change
  • Strategies for supporting peers with wellness, self-efficacy, resilience, self- mastery, empowerment, and recovery
  • Peer support roles and how to work in a team setting with healthcare providers
  • Culturally responsive care
  • Peer advocacy strategies
  • Motivational interviewing, coaching, group facilitation, conflict resolution, and effective communication strategies
  • Facilitating linkages to community resources
  • Professional and ethical responsibilities
  • Crisis intervention and trauma-informed care

Training Details:

  • Online class - Canvas
  • In-person classes will be held on the Bend Campus on the following days:
  • Remote via Zoom will be held also
  • Please complete the survey for instructor approval to add. 

Please search class schedule under PHE 183 to see dates and times. 

Click here to learn how to search for a class and find a class

Course Requirements:

  • Attend all in-person classes 
  • No academic prerequisites
  • Does not require high school diploma or GED
  • Must have reliable access to internet and computer (computer labs are available on all COCC campuses; Barber Library also lends computers, wifi hot spots, and other technology free of charge)

Oregon Health Authority Peer Support Specialist (Adult Mental Health) Certification Requirements:

At the end of the COCC Peer Support Specialist--Adult Mental Health (PSS) training course, you will be eligible to apply for certification as a Peer Support Specialist through the Oregon Health Authority (OHA). Certification application instructions will be provided at the end of the course.

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) requirements for certification:

  • Completion of an OHA-approved COCC PSS course
  • Must be 18 years old
  • Criminal background check required
  • Government issued identification required (state IDs, driver license, or passport)
  • Certification valid for 3 years; 20 hours of continuing education is required to renew

Oregon Health Authority Peer Support Specialist Certification Website