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Peer Support Certification

Turn Your Passion Into Your Mission to Help Others.
Leverage the power of lived experience.

What is Peer Support Certification at Scottsdale Recovery Center? The Scottsdale Recovery Peer Support Training curriculum is comprehensive, in-depth, and developed in part by experienced peer support specialists. The course meets or exceeds the competency standards established by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and is approved by AHCCCS.

This course is designed to prepare you for certification as a Peer Support Specialist. Through a blend of individual learning, group discussions, presentations, and role-playing, you will gain the skills you need to help others move toward wellness and you will earn the credential required to work as a peer support specialist.

Peer Support Certification is for anyone that has lived experience. What is lived experience? Lived experience is for individuals that have had either personally experienced the behavioral health system or have helped a family member navigate the behavioral health system. This lived experience provides us a deeper understanding and empathy for a patient or clients’ concerns and challenges as they begin to navigate a life of sustained recovery from alcoholism or drug addiction.

We offer two different 40 hour certification course schedules. All classes take place at Scottsdale Recovery Center’s outpatient facility 8149 N 87th Place, Scottsdale AZ, 85258 

Courses Offered:

  • 5 week Friday Class: Course meets every Friday from 8am-4pm for 5 weeks
  • 10 week Thursday Evening class: Course meets every Thursday from 5:30pm-9:30pm for 10 weeks

Upcoming Course Dates:

  • Next Friday course starts May 10th
  • Next Thursday course starts May 2nd 

Click the “Program Application” button below to apply and reserve your spot now! 

Peer Support Certification Training Testimonials

“Peer Support, inspiring and encouraging others to connect and then create an incredible new life in recovery that they no longer want to escape from.”

Eric Beer

Peer Support Certification Trainer

“The experience that I personally had while training with Eric Beer was unlike any other, I’ve ever experienced. He is a passionate individual with a lot of wisdom and shares much hope for my future as a Peer Support Specialist. His training has given me strength and hope to continue my journey toward my sobriety and help others achieve their goals as well. I thank my higher powers for bringing him into my path daily and wish that many others become as successful and blessed as I have been since I finished his training course. Thank you, Eric, for always being the supportive person and guiding light to help others toward recovery. “

David O.

BHT

“Eric’s ability to inject humor and entertainment into every lesson is truly remarkable. He effortlessly engages the class, making the learning experience enjoyable and captivating. He is a true master at blending education and entertainment, making every class a delightful experience.”

David W.

Group Facilitator

“I gained a lot of knowledge by attending this training class.  Eric made the content easy to understand and in a fun manner as well.  The worksheets, handouts, and tools he provided us with have been extremely helpful while interacting with clients and their recovery. Thanks Eric!!”

Ashley H.

BHT

“My experience in the Peer Support classes that Eric ran, was amazing. I realize that when it comes to this field, I’ll never stop learning. Interesting too, because I thought I knew it all. The energy and the drive within that room was an incredible force that kept us going with even more motivation and determination. If it wasn’t for this class, as well as Scottsdale Recovery Center itself, I wouldn’t have been given these opportunities I now have. At least not in the ways I have currently. I’m beyond grateful I was given the chance to expand my knowledge so that I can use the tools necessary to pay it forward. I’m so genuinely thankful. I feel such pride after accomplishing this huge milestone of passing Peer Support and stepping into my calling. I know I’ll be a valuable asset because of many reasons but it wouldn’t be possible to ascend as much as I intend to, without my certificate.”

Monica S.

“I wanna say that it was an absolute pleasure taking the peer support class with Eric, he made it easy and fun. I learned a lot, and I can’t wait to pass that knowledge on to someone else. “

AJ Jaff

BHT

“I’m so appreciative for the peer support class; this has been one of my goals for a while now to get my peer support certificate and it was an honor to have Eric for my teacher in this class, his passion and knowledge and outlook on recovery are unmatched. 

Thank you, Eric, for all your love, your support and your wisdom you rock!!!!”

Leler C.

BHT

“I was recently Peer Support certified through SRC, led by Eric Beer. This class was amazing. I was able to learn so much about myself, which I can now use to help others. For me, this class was the foundation I needed because it solidified the idea of working in recovery. 

The knowledge Eric shared with us during this class was monumental and I am forever grateful for attending. Eric takes the information we need to learn and adds his own experience to each chapter we covered. He elaborates on personal situations but also adds in role playing, written exercises, along with group discussions. I highly recommend this class to anyone who takes recovery seriously. I could have never gotten the hands-on knowledge shared with me by getting certified online. This class is a must! “

Gene M.

“While becoming Peer Support certified I had the honor of learning from instructor Eric Beer, the classes were very informative, and Eric made each day fun and intriguing. I’m able to use what I’ve learned on a day-to-day basis during work and even outside of work. I’m grateful for the opportunity to become Peer Support certified by an amazing individual.”

Deran M.

BHT

“Taking Peer Support at Scottsdale Recovery Center was a great experience! The course information was delivered in a way that was both interesting and thought provoking. The instructor was enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the material. I really appreciated the way we were encouraged to collaborate and interact with others in the class. I have been able to apply much of what I learned both inside and outside of the treatment center where I work. I highly recommend taking Peer Support at SRC!”

Amanda 0

“I was recently in Eric’s Peer Support Certification Class. I have taken many courses at previous Behavioral Health jobs, so I figured this class would be a bit repetitive and dull. It was quite the opposite. Not only did I learn a great deal from this class, but I also enjoyed myself very much. Eric made the class interesting and interactive. His style of teaching was fun and refreshing. He was also incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the material he taught. I would certainly recommend this Peer Support Class to anyone interested.”

Jason S.

BHT

“Peer support training with Eric was amazing. The amount of knowledge, tools, resources, and support I received increased my confidence and abilities as a BHT tenfold.”

Alyssia R.

BHT

“Participating in this class has been informative and exciting. This class has allowed me to become a better Peer Support Specialist and facilitator. Eric’s passion for teaching and wanting individuals to be the best version of themselves is inspiring to me. I encourage all those seeking experience and knowledge in the behavioral health industry to take part in this fantastic class.”

Crys A.

“A Phenomenal course with a great instructor!
The class was highly informative, interactive and effective. Eric is an awesome and engaging teacher!”

Eric H.

“This was a great experience, and I am going to take the information learned with me into my daily personal and professional life. It was comprehensive and interactive. I really enjoyed Thursday nights at Scottsdale Recovery Center.”

Tim C.

“Eric Beer really brought my peer support training education to life, using real life examples and demonstrating the different ideas and information we covered. As an instructor Eric brought a passion that is contagious and inspiring.”

Joe S.

“The peer support class taught by Eric Beer was phenomenal. I really enjoyed every class. I took this class with no intention of working in treatment, but to help me better understand and connect with my clients as a light worker who are struggling with grief. It has made me better at being able to communicate with them. Even on the days I was tired and distracted he made it easy to stay engaged. He is a wonderful teacher with a totally different approach and outlook than anyone I’ve encountered in recovery. I’m really glad I took the class and will enjoy continuing to use what he has taught me.”

Hailey D.

“Eric made not only the curriculum but even the in-person part of the course extremely enjoyable, he created an atmosphere that was both educational and engaging in a way that made showing up for class something to look forward to, while simultaneously ensuring that each person had a comprehensive understanding of how to do our jobs as Peer Support Specialists and a full toolbox of tools available to help us do so. I would recommend this class to any person looking to improve their skills whether first entering the field or anyone already in the field to expand their skills.”

Nicholas L.

“I wanted to just say the peer support class was so informative. I have a lot of experience in the substance abuse and mental health field, but the class and Eric were extremely helpful, and I learned a lot. Eric is very passionate about recovery and made the class very exciting and something to look forward to. I am excited to bring what i learned into my counseling session.”

Melodie R.

“Thanks for your instruction during the peer support training certification class. I found overall that I learned a great deal about interpersonal relationships by attending the course. My hope is to gain employment in the treatment industry. I can use the skills I acquired over the past two and a half months to successfully treat clients and other peers with dignity and success.”

Tim

“Recovery and behavioral health work is just as much hard work as it is heart work. And there’s nothing like learning with a passionate and proven instructor like Eric to prepare as well as inspire you to do both.”

Wil K.

BHT

“Throughout the Peer Support course, a wide range of topics related to being a peer support specialist were covered.  Our instructor had extensive knowledge and an informative approach provided us with valuable insights into almost anything one would need to know about this field.  Mr. Beer went above and beyond by sharing personal experiences from his own life story. This allowed us to truly understand the kind of dedication and empathy it takes to support others. 

I genuinely enjoyed every moment. Time seemed to fly by effortlessly, thanks to Mr. Beers’ energetic approach, deep understanding of the topics, and his ability to engage the entire class. It was evident that he had a real passion for teaching and genuinely cared about our growth and development. 

In summary, Mr. Eric Beer deserves nothing less than two thumbs up for his exceptional performance as an instructor for the Peer Support class. His energy, knowledge, and ability to engage students were truly commendable. I am grateful for the time spent in his class as it was extremely well-spent and thoroughly enjoyable.”

Jeff B.

“My experience at Scottsdale Recovery Center was definitely one I will remember, each study session was very welcoming, and my fellow peers were very supportive of my attendance and success in Peer Support Certification course completion. I can’t remember the last time I felt this excited in life, like I gained another purpose in life, something to wake up to and from here I feel nothing but passion in the path and direction you have helped me discover, again a purpose in life I am happy to say!  Thank you, Eric, you are a true inspiration!”

Otto M.

“My trainer Eric was a great trainer. Without Eric and how he taught us in class I don’t believe I would have been able to pass. He is very AUTHENTIC and passionate. I really enjoyed going to class on Fridays. I certainly retained and learned a lot of information whilst studying for peer support and I actually have used some of the information in my daily life.

Thank you Eric for all you do. I definitely will recommend anyone to Eric’s class. As a whole the environment is in a professional setting.”

Shana B

“As a recent graduate of the 5 week “Peer Support Specialist” training class taken at Scottsdale Recovery Center, I had the honor and privilege of having Mr. Eric Beer as my trainer.  His class was an awesome and eye-opening training program that allowed me to gain a better understanding of myself along with the “Do’s and Don’ts” of what the role entails for becoming a well-informed and supportive Peer Support Specialist.  There is a wealth of knowledge and abundance of information that is reviewed and discussed during these training classes.  I loved the enthusiasm and high energy that Eric brought each week to the meetings.  The training session is conducted in a great collaboration setting.  Eric is very authentic and drives home this concept of “authenticity” during his classes. 

I would highly encourage and recommend anyone that is thinking about obtaining this Peer Support certification to take the needed steps to take this fabulous training program.  It was actually the highlight of the week for me each week going to this Peer Support Training class! 

Thank you, Eric, for all you do in the world of “recovery”.

Jerry B.

“An incredible experience from start to finish.  Eric is a true inspiration; his classes were different than anything I have taken in recovery.  His passion is infectious, his recovery philosophy unique, and I have already started taking some of his teachings and beliefs and incorporating them into helping and connecting with others still suffering from this disease of the mind.  Thank you for the experience.”.

Rocky R.