Certified Youth Peer Supporter

In April 2022, Ohio expanded the Peer Certifications to include a Certified Youth Peer Supporter designation.

A Certified Youth Peer Supporter (CYPS) is someone who has direct lived experience with behavioral health challenges (mental health/substance use disorder) and who is between the ages of 18-30. Although the direct lived experience is the same as the Certified Peer Recovery Supporters, CYPSs are unique in that they have been impacted by behavioral health challenges while they were a part of the child-serving system.

A CYPS is trained to use their lived experience to help youth/young adults advocate for services and systems supports. A CYPS also works with youth/young adults to create and maintain positive peer interactions that promote wellness, resiliency and recovery. They promote youth-guided practices that focus on strengths as part of the solution and ensure that youth/young adults participate in all aspects of their care. These practices align with the philosophy of the Ohio Healthy Transitions Project to ensure youth voice and youth choice.

Not all transitional age youth involved in the project may choose to be linked with a CYPS but having the option available is an added benefit.