Are you passionate about supporting mental health and wellness? Do you have personal experience navigating the challenges of mental illness or substance use, and want to turn that experience into a rewarding career helping others? LMU Extension’s Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Training is here to guide you on your journey.
As an approved CalMHSA training provider, our 80-hour program equips you with the essential skills and knowledge needed to become a certified Peer Support Specialist in California. Whether you're new to the field or seeking to expand your skills, this program prepares you for impactful work in the behavioral health space. Let your personal journey inspire change and growth in others and take the next step toward a fulfilling career that makes a difference.
For more information, please contact us at Elizabeth.Tobias@lmu.edu
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LMU Extension is an approved CalMHSA training provider, and the course meets the educational requirements necessary for applicants seeking to take the state certification exam to become a California Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist. This 80-hour, instructor-led course covers a wide range of topics, including recovery principles, psychiatric rehabilitation, professional boundaries, and defined practices. It also focuses on critical skills such as group facilitation, conflict resolution, and preparing for employment in the behavioral health field. Participants will gain the tools necessary for effective service delivery and helping others navigating additional support services, all while emphasizing career readiness and industry standards.
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Mario Johnson
Mario Johnson is dedicated to being a voice of hope for youth and families by building community resources, developing programs, and empowering volunteers, direct service workers, and service providers through training. His goal is to support programs that focus on mentorship, leadership development, and community revitalization while strengthening policies and rallying program support to create positive, lasting change.
Mario holds a Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies, a Master of Science in Community Counseling, and a Master of Social Work. He also completed the Annie E. Casey Child and Family Fellowship, which connected him with innovative child well-being leaders nationwide. This experience enhanced his ability to develop action plans that focus on serving individuals in the foster care system and deepen his commitment to creating positive change for children, youth, and families.
With a strong passion for child welfare, Mario’s career has been driven by his desire to inspire others to engage in transformative work that prioritizes the well-being of children and families. He has worked collaboratively with community, non-profit, public, and philanthropic partners to improve how systems serve youth and families. Mario believes that strengthening child and family well-being requires building leadership skills, fostering community connections, and revitalizing policies that support these goals.
In his career, Mario has gained valuable experience and skills in improving how systems serve children, youth, and families. He previously served as a Division Chief with the LA County Department of Children and Family Services, where he helped establish the Office of Equity. Mario currently works as a Strategic Consultant, assisting multiple states in transforming child welfare systems into ones that focus on overall child and family well-being.
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SUMMER 2025 SCHEDULE COMING SOON
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Scholarships are available for California residents through a fully funded program by the California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) with no out-of-pocket costs for tuition or materials. Scholarship includes the cost of tuition, career counseling, job placement assistance and post-program support for six (6) months. Interested individuals can complete a scholarship application. Click here to apply:
Peer Specialist Scholarship Application
To request a hard copy of the application, email elizabeth.tobias@lmu.edu or call 310-338-5813.
California Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Scholarship vouchers are also accepted.