Peer Certifcation

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Peers Certification

DBHDS-Approved 72-Hour Peer Recovery Specialist Training

The 72-Hour Peer Recovery Specialist (PRS) Training is the foundational course
required by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental
Services (DBHDS) to become a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (PRS). It was
created from years of collaboration between people with lived experience,
behavioral health professionals, and peer support leaders. The result is a
unified, Virginia-specific curriculum that prepares participants to offer
effective, ethical, and recovery-oriented peer support in diverse settings.

What You’ll Learn:

Core Competencies developed by DBHDS and shaped by national and Virginia-based best practices.
Trauma-Informed, Recovery-Focused Principles that apply to both mental health and substance use recovery.
Practical Skills in communication, engagement, and crisis intervention.
Ethics & Boundaries for professional peer support roles.
Cultural Sensitivity & Inclusion in all aspects of support.
Navigating Systems & Resources within the Virginia behavioral health framework.
Wellness & Resilience Strategies for yourself and those you serve.

Why This Training Matters:

Recognized statewide as meeting the DBHDS requirement for PRS certification eligibility.
Builds a shared foundation of knowledge and skills across the peer workforce.
Reflects the belief that recovery is possible for everyone and that people with lived experience bring unique, valuable expertise to behavioral health systems.
Designed to be applicable across populations, including those living with mental health challenges, substance use disorders, co-occurring conditions, and justice involvement.

Training Format:

72 hours of instruction
Interactive presentations, group discussions, and real-world practice
Led by experienced trainers with lived experience in recovery

Next Steps:

Completing this training fulfills the education requirement to apply for
Virginia Peer Recovery Specialist Certification through the Virginia
Certification Board.

Fast Facts – DBHDS-Approved 72-Hour PRS Training

Delivery: Virtual via Zoom

Schedule Options: 9–12 training days, delivered over 3, 4, or 5 weeks

Tuition: $375.00

Prerequisites:

Minimum 1 year of demonstrated recovery
High-speed internet connection
Laptop, Chromebook, or newer tablet
Zoom application installed
Smartphone
Ability to attend all training sessions

Certification Path: Meets DBHDS education requirement to apply for Virginia PRS Certification

Enrollment: Enroll online at www.vaprs.org

Upcoming Trainings

Training ID: 3012

Dates: 8/17/2026 – 9/3/2026
Days: Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:15 PM

Note: 9 day training format.

Training ID: 2040 TRAINING FULL

Dates: 4/20/2026 – 5/19/2026
Days: Mondays and Tuesdays
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Note: Standard 10 day training format.

Motivational Interviewing for Peer Recovery Specialists

Hours: 6

0 upcoming sessions

This highly interactive training provides Peer Recovery Specialists with the tools to evoke motivation, resolve ambivalence, and strengthen commitment to change. Participants will learn and practice the core MI skills—Open questions, Affirmations, Reflections, and Summaries (OARS)—to support lasting recovery.

Type: Peer CertificationDomains: Mentoring and Education, Recovery - Wellness Support