The NH Peer Support Specialist Core Curriculum prepares students to enter Peer Support roles and earn a Certified Peer Support (CPS) credential. Designed for adults 18 and older with lived experience in mental health and/or co-occurring substance use recovery, the program emphasizes the power of shared experience to foster hope, resilience, and meaningful connection.
Offered through Lakes Region Community College, River Valley Community College, and White Mountains Community College, the curriculum reflects New Hampshire’s statewide definition of a Peer Support Specialist and highlights the essential role Certified Peer Support Specialists — especially those pursuing or holding CRSW certification — play in behavioral health settings. Through training aligned with SAMHSA core competencies, students learn to empathize effectively, de-escalate crises, support recovery planning, and help individuals navigate community resources.
The curriculum includes built-in assessments, weekly Community of Practice sessions, and opportunities to apply peer support principles across settings such as community mental health centers, healthcare facilities, crisis teams, hospitals, peer support agencies, supportive housing programs, and community organizations. Accompanying the core curriculum is an independently facilitated and managed Community of Practice that meets virtually each week to discuss course content and apply the peer support specialist definition to real-world situations.
In this asynchronous online training, students will complete learning modules online at their convenience following a structured 9-week course schedule The format includes:
- Online learning modules that introduce core peer support concepts, crisis support, recovery models, and ethics.
- Weekly 75‑minute virtual Community of Practice sessions where students deepen their learning through discussions, role‑plays, guided practice, and case‑based application of peer support skills.
The Introduction to Peer Support and Community of Practice courses are currently grant-funded and free to NH students.
Tuition for eligible students is supported by HRSA funding awarded to Lakes Region, River Valley, and White Mountain community colleges from September 1, 2025 – August 30, 2029, as part of a $399,917 annual grant.
Students can complete both the online course (40-46 total hours) and the 75-minute weekly Community of Practice in 9-10 weeks. Those who successfully finish all course modules, which include built-in assessments, and participate in Community of Practice sessions will be eligible to receive a formal Certification from the State of NH, along with the title “Certified Peer Support Specialist.”
These elements ensure that students not only learn peer support theory, but also practice the real‑world interpersonal and advocacy skills needed to support individuals through recovery, self‑care, crisis stabilization, and community navigation
Upcoming cohorts are:
- March 30-June 7, 2026
- June 8-August 17, 2026 (registration opens on May 18th)
Registration link:
https://ccsnh.my.salesforce-sites.com/events#/list?type=peer%20support%20specialist%20certificate
- September 14-November 23, 2026
Students who successfully complete all modules and Community of Practice sessions will receive a formal State of NH Certification and the title Certified Peer Support Specialist.
The Peer Support Specialist programs are run by Lakes Region, River Valley, and White Mountain community colleges.
Each Peer Support Specialist course is managed by one of three community colleges, LRCC, RVCC, or WMCC. If you have questions regarding a specific course, please reach out to the college running that course.
Lakes Region Community College: Steve Tucker
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 603-366-5229
River Valley Community College: Dan Osborn
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 603-542-7744 x5347
White Mountain Community College: Annette Cole
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 603-342-3062