The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic worsened mental health conditions due to sudden social distancing restrictions, prolonged isolation, and increased disruptions in mental health and substance use treatment and support services. Peer support specialists play a crucial role in helping individuals with mental health and substance use challenges explore various pathways to recovery. These services are provided by Certified Peer Support Specialists (CPSSs) or Peer Recovery Support Specialists (PRSS), who are individuals in recovery from serious mental health or substance use disorders, offering support to others facing similar struggles.

This article investigates, from the perspective of CPSSs, whether their training sufficiently covers essential core competencies and adequately prepares them for their role as CPSSs.

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