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