Peer Support: Turning Experience Into Impact in North Dakota
Since 2018, North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) has been dedicated to fostering the growth of peer support specialists across the state. Through comprehensive training and certification, individuals with lived experience in recovery are equipped to help others navigate their own journeys. In that time, 1,474 individuals have completed 57 peer support training sessions, resulting in 507 Certified Peer Support Specialists I (CPSS I) and 47 Certified Peer Support Specialists II (CPSS II) as of September 2025.
Peer support specialists play a crucial role in mental health and substance use recovery. They offer empathy, guidance, and practical support that complement clinical services, helping to create a more resilient and supportive environment within their communities. Their lived experience allows them to connect with individuals in ways that traditional services may not, fostering trust and hope.
To ensure peer support remains accessible and sustainable, HHS reimburses these services through a variety of initiatives, including Free Through Recovery, Community Connect, the Substance Use Disorder Voucher program, Recovery Housing, and Medicaid Expansion through the 1915(i) State Plan option. Together, these programs strengthen North Dakota’s behavioral health system and affirm peer support as a vital part of the recovery journey.
Beyond aiding others, certification also offers significant benefits to the specialists themselves. Many find personal growth and new career opportunities through their certification.
"Becoming certified has been one of the best decisions I’ve made. Not only has it deepened my understanding of recovery, but it has given me the credentials to help even more people," says Theresa Mehring, a certified peer support specialist.
The certification process includes both basic and advanced levels, allowing specialists to continue advancing their skills and knowledge. As demand for peer support services grows, so does the need for more certified specialists to serve communities throughout North Dakota. Research continues to highlight the effectiveness of peer support in improving recovery outcomes, making it an invaluable resource for individuals seeking mental health and substance use support.
Recently, HHS expanded its training to include parent and caregiver peer support, designed to equip participants with the skills to provide peer support to parents and caregivers of children with behavioral health needs. Individuals with lived experience as a parent or primary caregiver who has navigated youth-serving systems on behalf of their child(ren) with social, emotional, developmental, health, or behavioral healthcare needs participated in the training. Their services can be accessed through the HHS Human Service Center behavioral health clinic network, family-run organizations, private agencies, and other child-serving systems statewide.
This initiative, supported by North Dakota’s System of Care grant, aims to strengthen resources for families navigating behavioral health challenges. HHS was awarded a System of Care (SOC) Expansion and Sustainability Grant to enhance mental health outcomes for children and youth.
If you are interested in becoming a certified peer support specialist or want to learn about certification opportunities, please visit the North Dakota HHS Peer Support Certification webpage. This page provides details about the certification process and available programs. Starting your journey could help someone else begin theirs.
Read the inspiring recovery journeys of our peer support specialists: