PTA Programs

The Peer Training Academy (PTA) at MHA Rochester offers three academies—Youth, Family, and Adult—for individuals who want to transform their lived experience with mental health recovery into a professional role supporting others within the recovery process.

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

Please read below for additional information for each of MHA’s three PTA Programs and eligibility requirements.

Interested in Learning More?

If you’re interested in applying to any of our PTA programs or would like additional information, please contact Elizabeth Turek, Senior Peer Support Specialist at MHA Rochester.

Adult Peer Training Academy

Adult Peers must have personal experience navigating mental health or substance abuse recovery as an adult over the age of 18. Adult Peers use their lived experience to empower, support, and help other adults navigating their own recovery journey.

Eligibility Requirements:

To be eligible, applicants must be 18 years of age or older and:

• 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 working with other adults on their recovery journey

Funding for the Adult Peer Training academy is made possible through the Monroe Country Office of Mental Health, NYS Office of Mental Health, and United Way of Greater Rochester

Youth Peer Training Academy

Youth Peer Advocates (YPA) must have personal experience navigating child-serving systems such as Special Education Mental Health in outpatient Child Welfare, Juvenile Justice, or Addiction Services while under the age of 21. Youth Peers use their life experience to help others navigate similar situations.

Eligibility Requirements:

To be eligible, applicants must be between 18 – 30 years of age and:

• 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 working with youth

Family Peer Training Academy

A Family Peer Advocate (FPA) is a parent/caregiver for a child/youth with significant social, emotional, mental, emotional, substance use, and/or behavioral needs. Parent/primary caregiver must have/had responsibility for daily care of the child and have firsthand experience navigation child serving systems such es Special Education. Mental Health in/outpatient, Child Welfare, Juvenile Justice, Addiction Services, early intervention, and disability services.

Eligibility Requirements:

To be eligible, applicants must be between 18 years of age and:

• 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 working with families

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:

• Mental Health Association of Rochester (Lead Agency)
• BIPOC PEEEEEEK
• Community Place of Greater Rochester
• Coordinated Care Services, Inc. (CCSI)

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.