How to Become a Certified Recovery Coach in Louisiana
Certified recovery coaches in Louisiana provide individuals with the guidance and support they need on their journey toward recovery. As a peer support worker, you will have the ability to help individuals with mental health challenges and behavioral health difficulties.
You will need to complete the necessary education and training requirements to become a certified recovery coach in Louisiana. This includes passing relevant exams and meeting certification criteria set by the state.
In this article, we will provide an overview of the steps you can take to become a certified recovery coach in Louisiana.
What Are Peer Support Specialists?
A peer support specialist is a person who has lived experience with substance abuse or behavioral health challenges.
They are trained and certified by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to provide peer recovery support services to people needing treatment. These services may include emotional and practical support, advocacy, and mentorship.
Requirements for a Peer Support Specialist Role in Louisiana
A few minimum requirements exist for becoming a certified peer recovery support specialist. These requirements are in line with national standards.
General requirements include the following:
- Must hold a high school diploma or GED.
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Must have personal, lived experience with a behavioral health diagnosis.
- Must have a least 12 months of continuously demonstrated recovery.
Training requirements for a recovery coach certification, Louisiana:
Candidates have to undergo a 2-week, 76-hour training before receiving certification. The program covers various topics to equip participants with the skills and knowledge to provide effective peer support services.
The training is only open to 20 participants per quarter. This means that the application process is extremely competitive.
The training includes topics such as:
- Recovery principles
- The recovery process
- Effective communication
- Community psychiatric support
- Cultural competency
- Trauma-informed care
- Ethical considerations
Individuals can take the certification exam upon completion of training. Those who pass the exam will become certified peer support specialists in Louisiana.
Continuing education
Certified peer support specialists need continuing education to maintain their certification. They must complete a minimum of ten Continuing Education Units (CEU) per year. Mandatory job trainings must include three units in the area of ethics and seven units in the area of peer support services.
The Behavioral Health Services Provider Manual is a resource that certified peer support workers can use to learn more about the requirements and expectations for their role. The behavioral health manual includes policies and procedures for providing behavioral health services in the state of Louisiana.
Peer Specialist Training Programs in Louisiana
There are a variety of organizations that offer peer support specialist training programs in Louisiana. A few options include:
- The Office of Behavioral Health (OBH)
- Copeland Center for Wellness and Recovery
- Louisiana Association of Peer Supporters (LAPS)
- NAMI Louisiana – The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
- Behavioral Health Association of Providers (BHAP)
Job Outlook for Peer Support Specialists in Louisiana
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of substance abuse, behavior disorder, and mental health counselors (including peer support specialists) is projected to grow 22% from 2021 to 2031.
This increased demand for behavioral health services is likely due to the growing recognition of the importance of mental health.
It is therefore a great time to be finding employment in this field. Peer support specialists in Louisana can apply for positions at:
- Mental health centers
- Hospitals
- Rehabilitation facilities
- Community health clinics
- Substance abuse treatment centers
FAQs
What does a peer recovery support specialist do?
Peer recovery support specialists provide peer recovery support to individuals in recovery. They have to undergo training that equips them with the knowledge and skills they need to provide guidance, mentorship, and emotional support throughout the recovery process.
What are the training requirements to become a certified peer specialist?
Peer support specialists must be 18 years old and hold a high school diploma and personal experience with behavioral health challenges. They must have at least 12 months of continuous sobriety. They must also complete a 76-hour training program and pass an exam before receiving their credential.
Where can I work as a peer support specialist in Louisiana?
Certified peer support workers in Louisana can find employment in mental health and wellness centers like Copeland Center for Wellness and Recovery or NAMI Louisiana. They can also provide their services at the Louisiana Behavioral Health Association of Providers. More generally, they can look on job listing websites like Glassdoor and Indeed for openings.
Conclusion
Becoming a certified recovery coach in Louisiana provides you with a rewarding opportunity to help individuals on their journey toward recovery. Peer support workers offer empathy, understanding, and guidance to those in need.
The state of Louisiana requires that certified recovery coaches have personal experience with a behavioral health diagnosis before receiving certification. A high school diploma, a 72-hour training course, and 12 months of continuously demonstrated recovery are also requirements.
Sources
https://ldh.la.gov/assets/docs/BehavioralHealth/PASRR/What_Are_Peer_Recovery_Support_Services.pdf
https://copelandcenter.com/content/louisiana