MHA Peer Training Academy

MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION

PTA Programs

The Peer Training Academy (PTA) at MHA Rochester offers three academies—Youth, Family, and Adult—for individuals who want to build meaningful connection, gain hands-on experience, and transform their lived experience with mental health recovery into a professional, supportive role within mental health.

Participants develop practical skills, confidence, and peer-support knowledge while exploring pathways to employment and leadership in the mental health field.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible, applicants must, at minimum:

  • Have lived experience with mental health

  • Have completed high school or hold an equivalent or higher credential

  • Be actively engaged in their personal recovery plan

Interested in Learning More?

If you’re interested in applying or would like additional information, please complete the interest form below and email it to Elizabeth Turek (eturek@mharochester.org), Senior Peer Support Specialist at MHA.

PTA Interest Form

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a typical class like in the MHA Peer Training Academy?
Each day for the 4-week classroom portion of the program, we encourage all students to arrive 15 min before class begins.  You’ll have time to settle into your classroom, have a snack, chat with your classmates and take care of any personal needs before the session starts. Classes are usually 4 hours, with a short break midway.

2. How much does the MHA Peer Training Academy cost?
MHA programs are free of charge for all participants.  We receive funding from the Office of Mental Health (OMH), ACCES – VR, as well as grants and generous donations from private funders.

 If possible, we request that students apply for ACCES VR services to help fund their own needs that would support their participation in our program.

3.  Do you offer any financial help/bus fare during the training?
We don’t offer financial support, but if you are assessed as able to work and are enrolled to attend the MHA Peer Training Program, an MHA Education or Employment Specialist can assist you with possible alternative methods of transportation.

4. I’m interested in attending the MHA Peer Training Academy, but I have a long-standing weekly appointment that conflicts with classroom time. What should I do?
If you are accepted into the MHA Peer Training program, please note we have guidelines regarding absenteeism to ensure each student’s knowledge and competency from the various trainings. We suggest that you make your appointments so that they do not conflict with your classes. The program carries a strict 3 missed day policy.

5. I’m concerned about my history of incarceration and/or convictions. How will that affect my chances of actually getting work?
It depends on the conviction.  Convictions that typically prohibit or limit employment in human services:

  • Sexual assault charges
  • Arson
  • Felonies against vulnerable populations (such as children, the elderly, and disabled persons)
  • Violent crimes within the past 10 years

(This list is not all-inclusive, and there may be other convictions that may prevent successful employment in human services)

Please check the Justice Center’s website for more details

Justice Center of New York State


6. I want to keep my SSI/SSDI benefits. Can I work part-time as a peer specialist?
Yes, there are part-time and per diem peer specialist jobs available. Please check on the websites www.ccsi.org or www.Indeed.com for examples of work available. In addition, you have the option of utilizing our Certified Work Incentives Specialist who can assist you in determining how work can affect your benefits.

7. This program requires a great commitment of time – can you guarantee me employment?
The Mental Health Association has established and maintained strong relationships and a positive reputation among local agencies that employ peers. We partner with local agencies and connect them with the MHA Peer Training Academy for employment candidates. Due to the breadth of topics in our training, our peers can seek positions as peer providers and other roles in human services not necessarily designated as peer positions.

We’ve spoken to working MHA Peer Training Academy graduates and their supervisors across Monroe County to ensure we offer information and training that supports real-life situations. This program works if you work it!

With all that said – we can’t guarantee you work. It is up to you to commit to the program and your personal growth and competency to work in the field.

8. The MHA Peer Training Academy sounds great – I’d like to help empower others in their recovery, but I need to start working now. What should I do?
The MHA offers Intensive Supported Employment (I.S.E.) Program – a supportive employment service to help people in mental health recovery gain employment of their choosing. The program is on an ongoing, year-round enrollment basis. If interested, please call our main line at (585) 325-3145 and ask for an employment specialist.

9. Is there any support for me once I start working?
The MHA offers job coaching and mentoring services to help people in mental health recovery maintain employment of their choosing. In addition, we offer work-related benefits advisement services to assist you in making decisions regarding SSDI/SSI/Medicare/Medicaid benefits while working, as well as help you with regular wage reporting to Social Security. If interested, please call our main line at (585) 325-3145 and ask to speak to someone regarding these services.

Youth and Family Peer Advocate Workforce Expansion Grant

Our Mission

To advance mental health equity, grow the youth and family peer workforce, and build a strong career pipeline for individuals from diverse backgrounds, especially those with lived experience, to become credentialed Peer Support Professionals.

What This Grant Provides

Through this initiative, we offer a supportive pathway for individuals interested in Youth and Family Peer Advocacy, including:

  • Community Outreach & Education

Increasing awareness and understanding of Youth and Family Peer Advocacy Services.

  • Participant Recruitment & Training

Comprehensive preparation to become a credentialed Peer Advocate, including stipends for the completion of program milestones.

  • Career Support

Assistance with job placement as a credentialed Peer Advocate so participants can confidently enter the workforce.

Counties Served

Monroe | Ontario | Livingston

Partnership Organizations

This work is made possible through a strong, collaborative partnership:

Program Contacts

Administrative Contact:

Elizabeth Kingsley Curran

Peer Training Academy Contact:

Liz Turek

Funding for this initiative is made possible through a grant from NYS OMH.