Peer support is emotional and practical support between two people who share a common experience, such as a mental health challenge or illness. A Peer Supporter has lived through that similar experience, and is trained to support others.
Peer support is emotional and practical support between people who share a common experience, such as a mental health challenge or substance use health challenge. A peer supporter has lived through that similar experience, and is trained to support others.
Peer Support Canada (PSC) serves as the national voice for peer support. After substantial cross-country consultations, in 2013 Peer Support Canada established a framework involving Standards of Practice, Core Values and Principles to guide peer support workers and peer support programming. Today, the organization continues to strive towards the mission of increasing the recognition, growth, and accessibility of peer support within the mental health and substance use health spaces.
While Peer Support Canada currently exists as a program of the Canadian Mental Health Association, National, in 2021, CMHA National and PSC made the decision to redraw our partnership. We are prioritizing the re-acquisition of our own independent charitable registration status so we can increase access to funding opportunities and resources to support the expansion of our service offerings. CMHA National continues to provide a home for PSC until we can establish ourselves as an independent organization.
PSC continues to lean into its strengths that include our internal knowledge, experience and expertise in the peer support field, our team of long-standing dedicated volunteers, our lived and living experience leadership and our strong relationships within the peer support community across Canada.
For more information about Peer Support Canada and our vision for future service delivery, please review our 2022-2027 Strategic Plan .
We are pleased to share that our review and update of the Peer Support Canada Certification Program is now complete, and that we are accepting applications for both Peer Supporter Certification and Family Peer Supporter Certification. For more information about the review that took place and the updated certification program, please review the Certification Handbook.
If you've reviewed the FAQ page, and the relevant sections of the Certification Handbook, and you feel ready to apply, please proceed with creating a Peer Support Canada Participant Portal Profile to apply for certification.
I've reviewed the FAQ page and feel ready to apply for certification.
Peer Support Canada has filled 6 positions on our Advisory Committee (see below). We continue to accept applications on an ongoing basis. Applications will be reviewed as they are submitted, and we will reach out to candidates who may be able to support us in rounding out the expertise of our committee.
As of November 2023, we are specifically looking for individuals who have expertise in the realms of fund development, organizational governance, and anti-racist/anti-oppressive practices. We are also looking to ensure there are people on our committee who are willing to bring their lived expertise of being non-binary, male, Indigenous, Black, and/or a Person of Colour, and/or from the provinces and territories of Alberta, Québec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Manitoba, Northwest Territories, Yukon, and Nunavut.
To submit an application, please view the call for applicants: peer support canada advisory committee.
We are pleased to share that in support of our organizations’ Strategic Plan, and in response to feedback we’ve heard from our stakeholders, we are undergoing a review and update of our certification program. This review is being done as a way of making sure that our services are continuing to meet the needs of the evolving peer support field across Canada. Any changes that are made to the certification process will involve centering of the values of peer support, the application of Anti-Racist and Anti-Oppressive practices, an adherence to evidence-based best practices and a focus on ensuring that the certification program compliments PSC’s other service offerings.
For more information about the review and updates including information about timelines, implications for current and future applicants, and how you can get involved, please review this FAQ document.
We are excited to share with you Peer Support Canada’s 2022 – 2027 Strategic Plan. The year-long process of creating this document involved a thorough consultation and collaboration process with peer supporters, organization leads and those working alongside peer support from across Turtle Island. We are grateful for the contributions from the peer support community, and so proud to be able to share this plan with you.
Peer Support Canada and the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) joined together in early 2018 in an effort to expand peer support in this country. Both CMHA and Peer Support Canada value and believe in the power of community-based mental health services that include increased access to peer support where people live, work and play.
Especially considering the negative mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, people across Canada are struggling to get the mental health help they require. Almost 9 in 10 (87 per cent) of Canadians tell us they don’t have access to the mental health support they need, and only 1 in 3 (35 per cent) agree the current public mental health system is meeting demand.
Even though COVID-19 vaccinations are ramping up, we know that the mental health effects of the pandemic, including anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, substance use, will last long after we flatten the curve. Peer support is an effective, evidence-based and compassionate mode of providing rapid, accessible and culturally sensitive support for people who are struggling.
“The time to invest in peer support as an integral part of the mental health system is now,” says Debbie Wiebe, Member, Peer Support Canada Certification Committee. “The silver lining of the pandemic is that it’s forced everyone to think differently about how we do things. The Peer Support Canada Mentors and Certification Committee see an urgent opportunity to strengthen the practices and presence of peer support to meet the increased demand.”
In pursuit of this rapid expansion, Peer Support Canada and CMHA have agreed to redraw their partnership in two years to re-establish Peer Support Canada as an independent peer-driven organization with its own autonomy, governance structure and staffing. Until that time, CMHA will continue to provide organizational support in the form of administrative, financial and marketing communications services as a strategic partner.
“CMHA is enthusiastic about the future of peer support in Canada. We look forward to supporting and enabling Peer Support Canada to grow into an independent leader that champions the recognition, growth and accessibility of peer support across Canada,” says Margaret Eaton, National CEO, CMHA.
Peer Support Canada and CMHA are both committed to maintaining the consistency and quality of the ongoing Certification of Peer Supporters and Peer Support Mentors throughout the transition. The organizations will work together to maintain the integrity of this high-quality certification process while they undergo a rigorous strategic planning exercise to map out Peer Support Canada’s path forward. A new manager of peer support will be hired later this month to work with key stakeholders to ensure a seamless transition.
Peer Support Canada and CMHA look forward to planning a new future together that will champion the power of peer support and help meet the urgent mental health needs of Canadians.
If you have any questions, please contact us at info@peersupportcanada.ca.
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In 2010, the Mental Health Commission of Canada and its Workforce Advisory Committee (WAC) identified an opportunity to transform the mental health system in Canada through the integration and promotion of peer support. Peer Support (Accreditation and Certification) Canada was created into carry on the work started by the Mental Health Commission of Canada, promoting the growth, recognition, and accessibility of peer support.
The organization developed a robust certification process for Peer Supporters and Family Peer Supporters, grounded in the
In early 2021 CMHA National and PSC entered into a series of discussions about our relationship and decided together to redraw our partnership. CMHA National continues to provide a home for PSC until we can establish ourselves as an independent organization. We continue to collaborate with CMHA National and have found new ways of working together to support peer supporters across the country.
Vision
Peer support is an integrated and integral component of mental health and substance use health systems, accessible to all individuals, family members and supporters affected by mental health and substance use health challenges and mental illnesses.
Mission
Increase the recognition, growth, and accessibility of peer support within the mental health and substance use health spaces.
The Peer Support Canada Advisory Committee was established in February 2024 with the objective of having national representation that would offer guidance on Peer Support Canada’s operations. The Advisory Committee’s role involves ensuring that Peer Support Canada is aware of and responsive to the peer support landscape across Canada, to ensure that PSC is drawing from an anti-racist and anti-oppressive lens to help increase accessibility of programming and to support PSC’s goal of working towards operating as an independent organization. The Advisory Committee also supports the Peer Support Canada certification program by responding to appeals submitted by candidates.
The Advisory Committee members who wish to be identified are:
Jessica Ward-King, BSc (Hons), PhD, She/Her/Elle
Susan Mifsud-Larocque (she/her) CPS, M.Ed.
Kim Sunderland (she/her) CPS
Arif Majeed (he/him) CPS
Shai Ophelia Kehila (they/them)
Peer Support Canada Mentors have successfully gone through the mentor certification process, and have been able to demonstrate the required competencies to receive the designation of Certified Peer Support Mentor (CPSM), or Certified Family Peer Support Mentor (CFPSM) by Peer Support Canada.
As of November 2023, the mentor certification is currently on pause. We will be re-offering mentor certification as we expand additional Peer Support Canada programming. Please stay tuned to our website or sign up for our mailing list to stay in touch. All past mentor certifications retain their full recognition and validity.
Adam Milne, CPSM
Allison Dunning, CPSM
Andy Cox, CPSM
Angela Betts, CFPSM
Carrie Lee, CPSM
Debbie Sesula, CPSM
Debbie Wiebe, CPSM
Deborrah Sherman, CPSM
Faith Rockburne, CPSM
Fiona Wilson, CPSM
Heather Megchelsen, CFPSM
Jeff Shaw, CPSM
Karen Henze, CPSM
Keely Phillips, CPSM
Kim Dixon, CFPSM
Kristine Quaid, CPSM
Michelle Way, CPSM
Pamela Spurvey, CPSM
Patrick Raymond, CPSM
Shawn Pendenque, CPSM
Tom Kelly, CPSM
Tracey Mitchell, CPSM
—Mental Health Commission of Canada
The 11 core competencies required for the provision of peer support. These competencies are assessed as part of the certification process.
This handbook outlines the essential experience, knowledge, skills and competencies that make up the National Standards of Practice, and outlines the process associated with the Peer Support Canada Certification Program.
Developed by peer supporters across Canada, these guidelines serve as the basis for Peer Support Certification. This document outlines the core values, principles of practice, and skills and acquired abilities for peer supporters.
The principles that form the foundation of the practice of peer support.
The ideals and ethics grounding peer support work.
This seminal 2010 report highlights the status of peer support in Canada, and made the case for investment in clinical and community settings. Making the Case for Peer Support recommended the development of national guidelines for the funding and development of peer support.
This seminal 2010 report highlights the status of peer support in Canada, and made the case for investment in clinical and community settings. Making the Case for Peer Support recommended the development of national guidelines for the funding and development of peer support.
The Peer Support Training Knowledge Matrix is currently being updated and is not available for purchase at this time. If you are interested in making a purchase, please email us at info@peersupportcanada.ca and we would be happy to reach out once it becomes available.
This compiled list of resources has been vetted and approved by Peer Support Canada Mentors. If you have a resource that you wish to be included in this list, please email us at info@peersupportcanada.ca for review. We thank you for your contributions.
Peer Support Canada offers certification for peer supporters and family peer supporters. Peer Support Certification is a confirmation of one’s knowledge, skills, and experience as a peer supporter. Certification verifies one’s alignment with the nationally-endorsed Standards of Practice and is recognized across Canada.
Certification is an assessment, it is not a training program.
The Standards of Practice for mental health peer supporters were developed in consultation with peer supporters from across the country and endorsed by peer leaders representing interests nationwide. The national Standards of Practice consist of the knowledge, competencies, experience, and code of conduct requirements to effectively provide peer support services with due care and skill in a variety of settings.
In 2023, the PSC Certification Program underwent a formal review and update. The updated certification program involves an application, a written assessment, a verbal assessment, reference checks, and a self-assessment. The updated process usually takes between 2 and 3 months to complete.
For a complete guide to the certification program, please review our Certification Handbook.
You must review the following FAQ Page and create a PSC Participant Profile ahead of applying for certification.
Have a question we haven’t answered above? Please email us at info@peersupportcanada.ca and we would be happy to support.
Certification is a verification of one’s alignment with the nationally endorsed Standards of Practice for Peer Support and is recognized across Canada. The Standards of Practice outline the experience, competencies and knowledge needed to deliver peer support effectively. These standards were developed in consultation with 600 peer supporters from across Canada.
Peer Support Canada offers the following:
- Peer supporter certification
- Family peer supporter certification
- Peer support mentor certification
- Family peer support mentor certification
Peer support certification indicates that a peer supporter possesses the necessary competencies outlined in the National Standards of Practice as set out by Peer Support Canada. The certification of peer supporters recognizes the contribution of peer support in the mental health and addiction field and endorses peer support work as a valid and respected career.
Certification affirms that an individual is competent to do peer support work. Their skills may be utilized within community organizations, clinical settings and workplaces. Peer support work is increasingly valued and is being introduced into new settings as well.
The Peer Support Canada Certification standards have been endorsed by members of the peer support community across Canada and, as such, the credentials are national in scope, allowing peer supporters to carry the credential with them in work settings across the provinces and territories.
Certification helps extend a peer supporter’s network across Canada. Through mentorship, candidates connect with peer leaders from across the country, learning emerging best practices and having opportunities to collaborate.
Please note, Peer Support Canada views certification as voluntary and recognizes that not all peer supporters will choose this path.
Yes. Certification verifies one’s alignment with the nationally endorsed Standards of Practice and is recognized across Canada. Peer Support Canada is the only organization offering peer support certification that is recognized nationally.
In order to qualify for peer supporter certification, an applicant must meet the following criteria:
- Have lived experience with a mental illness or mental health struggles (personally, or as a family member/loved one)
- Be on a path of recovery and wellness
- Have a readiness to support others
- Possess values aligned with the Peer Support Canada Code of Conduct
- Have experience meeting the Standards of Practice
- Have at least 200 hours of providing formalized peer support
In order to qualify for peer support mentor certification, an application must meet the following criteria:
- Be a Peer Support Canada certified peer supporter
- Have at least 5 years involvement in peer support work
- Bring skills and expertise in at least one of the following:
o Peer support program development or management
o Peer support coordination
o Mentoring, coaching and/or training of peer supporters
Peer Support Canada Certification typically takes between 12-24 months to complete, with some candidates completing within a year. We recognize that many candidates will wish to complete the certification process as promptly as possible, and we do our best to support this. The certification process is intended to be self-paced, so we are happy to accommodate breaks or extensions.
The mentor certification is a longer process and is generally completed in approximately 24 months.
Peer support and family peer support certification costs are allocated and billed according to each phase of the process:
Phase 1: $90
Phase 2: $440
Phase 3: $750
Total: $1280
Peer support mentor and family peer support mentor certification costs are also allocated and billed according to each phase of the process:
Phase 1: $90
Phase 2: $440
Phase 3: $1220
Total: $1750
As a not-for-profit organization, Peer Support Canada is not able to offer discounts or bursaries for peer supporter certification at this time. However, we do wish to highlight that certification is invoiced by phase, so the fee is not required up front (unless requested by the candidate). As certification can take at least 1 year to complete, the invoices can be spread out. We also work to facilitate the timing of payments to ensure candidates feel supported in this way.
Please note there are bursaries available to those pursing the mentor certifications. For more information, please contact us at info@peersupportcanada.ca.
Both certifications are based on peer-to-peer relationships, meaning that the individuals or group members involved have a similar, common experience.
Our peer support certification is designed for individuals with lived experience of a mental health and/or addiction challenge or mental illness who are supporting others with a mental health and/or addiction challenge or mental illness.
The family peer support certification is designed for those practicing family peer support, where the term “family” includes those in a person’s circle of support. Family peer support is support that is provided by family members who have a mental health and/or addiction challenge or mental illness to others in a similar situation. This relationship recognizes the impact that shared experience can have on the recovery journey of all involved.
Although there are many learning opportunities throughout the process, certification is not a training program. Certification is a confirmation of your knowledge and experience, rather than a form of training. While prior participation in peer support training may be beneficial for individuals seeking certification, it is a not a requirement for eligibility.
Peer Support Canada is the national certifying body for peer supporters in Canada and does not offer any direct peer support services.
If you are interested in receiving peer support or mental health services, we encourage you to reach out to local peer support organizations to determine what may be available in your community. Your local CMHA branch may also be a good resource to direct you to local service options.
Have a question we haven’t answered above? Please email us at info@peersupportcanada.ca and we would be happy to support.