Linda Doyne, CPRSS/E

Over the past few months I’ve been preparing for the national certification exam for Peer Recovery Support Specialist. I’ve been doing coaching for loved ones of alcoholics for seven years. I didn’t start out to be a recovery coach, I was just answering questions and providing a listening ear. I didn’t charge anyone anything. I did it because someone needed me and I wanted to help.

After Riley’s death, I needed to supplement my income, so I began charging for the coaching services. I turned coaching into a business. Still, I did not charge the rates that other coaches charge, which can sometimes be as much as $150/hour. I wanted to be accessible and reasonable so I started my rates at $30/hour. I also never turned anyone away who could not afford my services.

Over the years, I tried to become certified, but the requirement was that the prospective recovery specialist had to be a recovering substance abuse person. I didn’t fit the criteria and so was not able to become certified. However, I was told by my attorney I could still practice coaching but I had to issue a disclaimer before any coaching sessions. That wasn’t a problem and that’s exactly what I did.

The laws have changed and now you don’t have to be a recovering substance abuser to become a certified peer recovery support specialist. There has been a big push in the mental health industry to make the ones who have suffered collateral damage into support specialists. We, the spouses, parents, siblings, and friends of addicted persons can become certified and reach out to those who are struggling with the very same issues that we have encountered. We can get jobs with mental health agencies and professionals and actually earn a living helping others to survive.

There’s a lot that goes into becoming certified. The candidates must complete 500 hours of supervised coaching with a licensed professional. Then they must complete a 40-hour classroom training program. An exam is given and upon successful completion they receive the title of “Certified Peer Support Specialist.”

I have completed my 500 hours of supervised coaching and my 40 hour classroom training. I’m waiting for the next exam date for my official title. For me, there will be a total of three exams – state, national and international. While I’m waiting for the exam dates, I am officially a “Certified Peer Support Specialist / Eligible”. Once I have passed the exam, the word “Eligible” will be dropped from my title.

The examination will be in late July or early August. Until that time, I will be continuing to charge my usual $30/hour rate. As of September 1^st, the rates will increase to $50/hour. Anyone who books an appointment, even if the appointment occurs in September, will be charged the $30/hour. But the appointment must be booked prior to September 1^st. I still will be offering a sliding scale for those who are unable to meet the full rate.

E-mail me at LindasFrontPorch@outlook.com with the word "coaching" in the subject line. Or go to http://www.lindabarteedoyne.com/coach.php to book your appointment and pay the fee.

If you are interested in becoming a Peer Recovery Support Specialist, contact your local mental health agency or state’s Department of Substance Abuse.