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Peer Support Specialist (PSS)

A Peer Support Specialist (PSS) An individual providing services to another individual who shares a similar life experience with the peer support specialist (addiction to addiction, mental health condition to mental health condition, family member of an individual with a mental health condition to family member of an individual with a mental health condition). A peer support specialist shall be: (a) A self-identified individual currently or formerly receiving addictions or mental health services; (b) A self-identified individual in recovery from an addiction disorder who meets the abstinence requirements for recovering staff in alcohol or other drug treatment programs; (c) A self-identified individual in recovery from problem gambling. There are four categories of Peer Support Specialists: 
  • Family Support: an individual who meets qualification criteria adopted under ORS 414.665 and may be either a peer support specialist or a peer wellness specialist who, based on similar life experiences, provides support services to and has experience parenting a child who:(a) Is a current or former consumer of mental health or addiction treatment; or (b) Is facing or has faced difficulties in accessing education, health, and wellness services due to mental health or behavioral health barriers.
  • Youth Support: means an individual who meets qualification criteria adopted under ORS 414.665 and may be either a peer support specialist or a peer wellness specialist and who, based on a similar life experience, provides supportive services to an individual who: (a) Is not older than 30 years old, and (b) Is a current or former consumer of mental health or addiction treatment; or (c) Is facing or has faced difficulties in accessing education, health, and wellness services due to mental health or behavioral health barriers.
  • Adult Addictions: A person in addiction recovery who provides support services to people seeking recovery from addiction.
  • Adult Mental Health: A person with lived experience of mental health who provides support services to other people with similar experiences


*Reciprocity for Peer Support Specialists from Washington is currently on pause, as of 2/11/2026. There is not an expected reinstatement date yet but please see our announcements on the main page for updates.

PSS Certification Requirements

There are two ways that individuals can become an OHA-certified Peer Support Specialist:

RECIPROCITY 

The THW Program includes a reciprocity option for individuals who hold certifications as Peer Support Specialists or Community Health Workers in Alaska and Idaho only, and are in good standing with their certifying body. To apply for reciprocity, you will need to:
  • Complete and submit the Reciprocity Form to: THW.Program@oha.oregon.gov
  • Meet any additional criteria set by the OHA for reciprocity and equivalent credits. 
  • Complete application
  • Complete oral health training
  • Complete background check

Application
  • Apply for the Traditional Health Worker (THW) certification via the portal at https://healthworkforceregistry.oregon.gov/
  • *Regarding recertification, for renewal purposes, we require applicants to apply within 60-90 days prior to their expiration date.
Once you are certified with the Oregon Health Authority, we will add you to our state registry. The registry is a reliable, trusted source for finding a traditional health worker in Oregon.

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