APSS, CSA, & Bridge Course Registration
Take the leap toward a fulfilling career in Peer Support!
Designed for those wanting to work in Kentucky, students have options on which course(s) they complete: Students can start with the Adult Peer Support Specialist course and then move to Community Support Associate. Or, if your goal is to work at a treatment facility, the Adult Peer Support Specialist and then the RADPSS Bridge course would be required.
To be eligible, you must have a "lived experience" that is defined as “attest to being in recovery for a minimum of twelve (12) consecutive months from a substance-related disorder.”
If you have any questions, call (606) 301-6118 or email keri.teegarden@kctcs.edu.
Adult Peer Support Specialist (APSS)
What it is:
- Entry-level employment support certification for behavioral health treatment services
Familiarizes students with fundamentals of recovery and knowledge to become state certified - Taught by instructors that are/were in recovery or actively working in the recovery industry
Prerequisites:
- 18 years or older
- Have a current or past diagnosis of mental health, substance use, or co-occurring mental health and substance use
- Have received or are receiving treatment
- High school diploma or GED
Class details:
- 30-hour class, across 2 consecutive Saturdays and Sundays
- Online, instructor-led course
- Registration fee: $200
Community Support Associate (CSA)
What it is:
- A course to certify anyone dedicated to assisting individuals facing mental health challenges or substance use
- Will equip students with skills necessary to impact community support and prepare you for a rewarding career in helping others navigate recovery
- Gives employers and interested community members a look into what recovery and mental health look like to assist the people around us
Prerequisites:
- 18 years or older
- Have a current or past diagnosis of mental health, substance use, or co-occurring mental health and substance use
- Have received or are receiving treatment
- High school diploma or GED
Class details:
- 10-hour class, across one weekend
- Online, instructor-led course
- Registration Fee: $100
Registered Alcohol & Drug Peer Support Specialist (RADPSS) Bridge Course
What it is:
- Recent legislative changes now require individuals working as Substance Use Disorder (SUD) peer support specialists to pursue their credential through the Kentucky Board of Alcohol & Drug Counselors (KBADC).
- Students planning to work in substance use disorder programs must meet KBADC requirements.
- KBADC will continue recognizing the 30-hour adult peer support course through June 2026.
Prerequisites:
18 years or older
Have a current or past diagnosis of mental health, substance use, or co-occurring mental health and substance use
Have received or are receiving treatment
High school diploma or GED
If the student has already completed the 30-hour course, they only need the additional bridge course of 21 hours:
- 3 hours – domestic violence
- 2 hours – HIV awareness
- 16 hours – ethics
- = 21 hours
- This fulfills training requirements for: Registered Alcohol & Drug Peer Support Specialist (RADPSS)
If the student has not completed the 30-hour course, they may choose:
- The existing 30-hour DBHDID course + 21 additional hours
Class details:
- 21-hour class, across one weekend
- Online, instructor-led course
- Registration Fee: $150
Careers Opportunities:
RADPSS is required for Medicaid billing in those programs.
Jobs:
- Licensed Alcohol & Other Drug Entity (AODE) or Behavioral Health Service Organization (BHSO)
- Residential rehab, intensive out patient program, licensed SUD clinic
CPSS (APSS)
- Careers: Community mental health center, recovery community center, hospital, primary care clinics, peer-run drop-in centers
- Appropriate for providing mental health, family, youth, or recovery support in non-AODE/BHSO settings.
