Connecticut State Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services

 The Office of Recovery Community Affairs (ORCA)

Our goal is to inform people of our Initiatives, Services and Resources that are offered by DMHAS and DMHAS-funded agencies throughout the state.

ORCA endorses the ‘No Wrong Door’ motto for recovery and encourages people to find the pathway(s) that work best for them.

Elsa Ward, MS, CAC, Director, (860) 418-6989, Elsa.Ward@ct.gov

For issues regarding client rights and grievances contact William Pierce, 860-418-6933, william.pierce@ct.gov or go to Client Rights and Grievances.

 

DMHAS ORCA Initiative: 

March 28th, 2025:

Thank you all for your patience and persistence during the launch of the new Certified Peer Support & Recovery Professional (CPSRP) credential.  As many of you know, we have encountered some unexpected issues with the testing process.  For that reason, I am announcing today that the project has been put on hold while we work to resolve those issues.

On behalf of DMHAS, I'd like to thank everyone who participated in this process and shared their feedback. Please know that our mission remains steadfast in elevating the peer recovery workforce in Connecticut, and we acknowledge your crucial role in behavioral health. Although it is disappointing to halt a project like this, it is the right decision.

I look forward to continuing and strengthening our collaboration.

Elsa Ward, MS

Director of Recovery Community Affairs

 


WE HEAR YOU

The new Peer Support credential

Certified Recovery Peer Professional (CRPP) Credential

has been changed to:

Certified Peer Support & Recovery Professional (CPSRP) Credential

*DMHAS Certified Peer Support & Recovery Professional (CPSRP)*

Certified Peer Support & Recovery Professional (CPSRP)
This newly created Certified Peer Support & Recovery Professional (CPSRP) credential is an integrated certification that ensures individuals trained by any of the DMHAS-approved Peer Training Organizations have been taught SAMHSA's Twelve Core Competencies and DMHAS' Peer Ethics and Values (2024) to be in alignment with national standards.

CPSRP Grandparenting Overview
The CPSRP Grandparenting is for individuals that meet the eligibility criteria to obtain the CPSRP certification without having to meet the new certification eligibility requirements. This process recognizes existing skills and experiences while ensuring alignment with updated CPSRP ethics and standards.

For Exemptions Based on Special Circumstances please contact Elsa Ward at Elsa.Ward@ct.gov

CPSRP Grandparenting Eligibility and Requirements
Connecticut Recovery Peer Professionals Ethics and Values (2025)
CPSRP Grandparenting Process Townhall - Slides

CPSRP Grandparenting Process Townhall Meeting - February 20, 2025

CPSRP Grandparenting Process Townhall Meeting - February 21, 2025


CPSRP Town Hall Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's):
 CPSRP Eligibility Application FAQ

CPSRP General FAQ

CPSRP Other Peer Credentials FAQ

CPSRP Pilot Exam FAQ

CPSRP Renewal Questions FAQ

 

The Grandparenting Applications are available on the Connecticut Certification Board (CCB) website: https://ctcertboard.org/

The pilot exam ends on May 15th, 2025. Please apply early.

 

Peer Certification Advisory Committee Meetings - Click date for recording of the meeting 

DMHAS-endorsed Peer Recovery Support training centers:

Monthly Recovery Calendars:

 

CT Peer & Family Organizations

Resources