Peer Training Programs

Overview

NAMI Multnomah offers a 40-hour Peer Support Specialist (PSS) Training several times each year, including both general trainings and culturally-specific trainings.

Our next in-person training session is scheduled for October 6th-10th, 2025, and we will begin accepting applications on Wednesday, August 27th. Please sign up here to be notified when the application opens.

We also offer ongoing Continuing Education (CE) courses, including our Evening with the Experts series. Please sign up here to be notified about upcoming CE courses.

To find additional peer training and CE opportunities in Oregon, check out the THW Training Program database on Oregon Health Authority’s website here.

Program Details

Our 40-hour job training program is an Oregon Health Authority (OHA) approved PSS training for Adults in Mental Health. NAMI Multnomah developed our peer training curriculum in collaboration with Cascadia Health and other peer collaborators. Peers who complete the training can apply to become OHA Traditional Health Workers (THW) as Peer Support Specialists for Adult Mental Health. Find the OHA’s Traditional Health Worker FAQs here.

Training Requirements for NAMI Multnomah’s PSST:

• Identify as a peer (a self-identified person currently or formerly receiving mental health services).

• Be at least 18 years of age.

• Not be listed on the Medicare provider exclusion list.

• Other requirements may apply, depending on training; see below for additional information.

Program costs and Additional Eligibility REQUIREMENTS

Our training programs are offered at no cost to participants, thanks to funding from Multnomah County and Oregon Health Authority.

• Our general training, sponsored by Multnomah County, is offered for peers who live, work, or volunteer in Multnomah County.

• Our Veteran training, sponsored by OHA, is offered for Veterans and Military Service Members who live, work, or volunteer in the state of Oregon.

• Our 2SLGBTQIA+ training, sponsored by Multnomah County, is offered for peers who live, work, or volunteer in Multnomah County.

If you have additional questions about our Peer Support Specialist Training, contact peertraining@namimultnomah.org.

Resources for Training Graduates

• Reference Guide on Applying for Your THW Certification

• OHA has an online portal where PSST graduates can submit their THW applications. Click here to access the portal. For applications in languages other than English, applicants make requests for and submit applications to thw.program@odhsoha.oregon.gov.

• Required Oral Health Module

• Need to earn recertify? Find information here on the recertification process. To find Continuing Education opportunities, you can use the OHA’s database here.

For more information, please visit the Oregon Health Authority’s website here.

Upcoming Trainings

Sign up here to be notified of future peer training opportunities.

You can find a list of other peer training providers on the OHA website.

You may also be interested in learning about volunteering with NAMI Multnomah!