Educational Enhancement CASAC Online

Become a Certified Peer Advocate / Peer Support Specialist

60-Hour NAADAC-Approved Training Program

NAADAC-Approved Provider

Online, self-paced + instructor support

Flex plans with Klarna from

$43/month 

Get certified in as fast as

2 weeks

Start your journey today

Are you ready to transform your lived experience into a powerful force for healing and hope?

Educational Enhancement CASAC Online presents our new Peer Advocacy and Support Specialist Training Program—a 60-hour, NAADAC-approved course designed for those who want to become Certified Recovery Peer Advocates (CRPA) or Peer Support Specialists. This training prepares you to make a lasting impact in the lives of others through empowerment, compassion, and recovery-informed practice.

Whether you’ve walked the road of addiction recovery yourself or supported someone through it, this course is your opportunity to step into a professional role where your experience becomes a tool for change.

Why Choose This Training?

Image of a peer support specialist consoling a peer during a support session

Clinical services can often feel cold or disconnected, peer support specialists bridge the gap—offering connection, mutual respect, and authentic care grounded in shared experience.

Image of a group of certified peer advocates hugging while at a professional development training

This training is not just about passing an exam. It’s about becoming a credible, confident, and compassionate advocate who brings hope, resilience, and recovery to life for others.

Our NAADAC Approved Peer training is 60 Hours and only $695.00.
Through this NAADAC-approved course, you’ll learn how to
  • Support others through person-centeredtrauma-informed, and culturally humble approaches.
  • Navigate complex systems and connect peers to the services they need.
  • Practice ethically and maintain professional boundaries in challenging environments.
  • Help people see their strength, even when they can’t yet see it themselves.

Who This Program Is For

This 60-hour online training is ideal for:

  • Individuals in recovery seeking to become CRPA-certified.
  • Aspiring Peer Support Specialists or Peer Advocates.
  • Mental health or substance use professionals looking to deepen their peer-oriented knowledge.
  • Harm reductionists, Recovery Coaches, or case managers wanting to expand their toolkit.
  • Anyone with lived experience who wants to support others in recovery professionally.
A peer support specialist renewing her CRPA with out Peer Support Specialist training

Course Overview

Our comprehensive Peer Advocacy and Support Specialist Training Program covers everything you need to become an effective peer worker in today’s evolving care systems.

Training Objectives

1. Define Your Role

Understand your unique position within the recovery ecosystem as a Peer Support Worker or Specialist—not as a clinician, but as a guide, a mentor, and an advocate.

2. Ground in Core Values

Embrace the guiding principles of autonomy, respect, hope, and mutuality that define successful peer relationships.

3. Support Individual Recovery Journeys

Learn how to meet people where they are, whether they are abstinent, using harm reduction strategies, or participating in Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT).

4. Master the Tools of Peer Advocacy

Build strong skills in active listeningreflective respondingmotivational interviewing, and conflict resolution.

5. Document and Communicate Professionally

Understand how to keep records confidential, professional, and recovery-oriented.

6. Implement Trauma-Informed and Culturally Humble Care

Recognize trauma, support safety, and provide inclusive, affirming support to people from all backgrounds.

7. Navigate Ethical Dilemmas

Stay grounded in ethics—learning to manage dual relationships, uphold confidentiality, and work with integrity.

8. Promote Harm Reduction and Wellness

Learn how to reduce risks, support MAT, and design individualized wellness plans that address mind, body, and spirit.

9. Mentor, Motivate, and Lead

Guide others through recovery using your experience, motivational strategies, and strengths-based mentoring.

10. Crisis Intervention and Advocacy

Prepare for crisis response and help peers access the services they need through effective advocacy.

11. Sustain Your Own Wellbeing

Develop a personal self-care strategy to prevent burnout and stay emotionally balanced while supporting others.

12. Reflect and Grow

Assess your strengths and areas for improvement and explore pathways for continued professional development in the peer support field.

A person in recovery sits at a desk, focused and determined, studying course materials from Educational Enhancement’s Peer Advocacy program—surrounded by notebooks, a laptop, and a sense of purpose as they prepare to support others on their recovery journey.

Course Description

Our Peer Advocacy and Support Specialist Training Program equips participants with the practical knowledge, interpersonal skills, and ethical foundation required to serve effectively in recovery-oriented systems of care. The curriculum emphasizes trauma-informed practices, cultural humility, person-centered care, and harm reduction approaches. The training also includes in-depth modules on mentoring, documentation, service planning, and ethical considerations unique to peer advocacy.

Training Curriculum

Section 1: Introduction to Peer Advocacy

Section 1 provides a foundational understanding of the peer support role, emphasizing core advocacy principles, multiple recovery pathways, person-centered care, and the importance of cultural humility in delivering inclusive, recovery-oriented services.

1. What is a Peer Support Worker/Specialist?
Learn the roles and responsibilities of a Peer Support Worker/Specialist, focusing on the unique position they hold within recovery systems.
2. Historical Moment in Peer Advocacy

Historical moments of peer advocacy—born from grassroots recovery movements—have shaped its core principles of mutual support, shared experience, and empowerment.

3. Core Values, Principles, and Recovery in Peer Advocacy Support
Explore the fundamental values that shape peer advocacy, including respect, autonomy, and hope, and examine their connection to the journey of recovery.
4. Cultivating Cultural Humility and Inclusion for People in Recovery
Explore strategies for cultivating cultural humility and providing inclusive peer support that respects and honors the diversity of individuals in recovery.
5. Introduction to Person-Centered Principles
Understand the significance of person-centered care and how peer advocates can ensure that support is tailored to the individual’s needs, goals, and preferences.
Section 2: Mentoring and Education

This section builds essential skills for peer advocates, including effective communication, accurate documentation, and trauma-informed support. Participants learn to develop wellness plans, apply harm reduction strategies, and provide informed guidance around Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)—all while fostering trust and promoting holistic, person-centered recovery.

1. Essential Communication Skills

Develop critical communication skills, including active listening and reflective responding, to build trust and foster meaningful connections with individuals in recovery.

2. Documentation for Peer Advocacy Support Services

Gain the knowledge and skills needed to document peer advocacy services effectively, ensuring that records are accurate, confidential, and in line with professional standards.

3. Peer Advocacy Support: Working from a Trauma-Informed Perspective

Learn how to integrate trauma-informed care into peer advocacy services, recognizing the impact of trauma on recovery and providing sensitive, supportive care.

4. Peer Advocacy Wellness and Service Planning

Understand how to create wellness and service plans that promote holistic recovery, addressing well-being’s physical, emotional, and social aspects.

5. Peer Advocacy Support and Harm Reduction

Explore harm reduction strategies that can be employed in peer advocacy support, helping individuals reduce the risks associated with substance use while working toward recovery.

6. Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Gain a comprehensive understanding of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) and how peer advocates can support individuals utilizing MAT as part of their recovery journey.

Section 3. Ethical Considerations in Peer Advocacy
Aspects of Peer Ethics-Examine the ethical principles that guide peer advocacy work, including confidentiality, boundaries, and dual relationships. Learn how to navigate ethical dilemmas and maintain the highest standards of integrity in peer support roles.
https://educationalenhancement-casaconline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/pexels-laura-garcia-1667452-4857103-scaled.jpg

$695.00 Or
from $43.00/mo with Klarna

Becoming a Certified Peer Advocate Support Specialist Starts Here with our 60-Hour NAADAC-Approved Training Program.

What Makes This Program Different?

Flexible. Affordable. Real.

At Educational Enhancement CASAC Online, we don’t just teach from a textbook. We draw from real-world recovery, trauma-informed principles, and decades of experience educating New York’s top addiction professionals. Our CRPA training is 100% online, self-paced, and designed for people who want to learn in a way that fits their life.

You’ll gain the practical tools, human insight, and ethical foundation needed to thrive as a Peer Support Specialist or CRPA—whether you plan to work in treatment centers, harm reduction agencies, emergency rooms, or grassroots recovery organizations.

A student is studying to become a certified peer advocate through EECO peer specialist support training.

Certification and Continuing Education

This training fulfills the 60-hour education requirement for CRPA certification and aligns with NAADAC national peer credentialing standards. It’s also a valuable foundation for those pursuing advanced credentials like the Recovery Coach, CPRS, or Peer Specialist titles in other states.

Upon completion, you’ll receive a certificate of completion suitable for use in applying for CRPA or similar peer certification processes.

Course Format

Total Hours: 60 hours

Format: Online, self-paced + instructor support

Approval: NAADAC-Approved Provider

Access: One fee for all course materials.

Cost: Affordable payment plans available

Total Hours: 60 hours

Format: Online, self-paced + instructor support

Approval: NAADAC-Approved Provider

Access: One fee for all course materials.

Cost: Affordable payment plans available

Each module includes

Video lectures

Workbooks and PowerPoint presentations

Practice quizzes

Suggested resources for further study

Testimonials

” My stepsons’ struggles with drugs and alcohol ended badly. So, I decided to become a CASAC addiction counselor to make a difference. I was fortunate to discover Educational Enhancement’s online addiction counseling training.

Their mission is to “ENCOURAGE. EDUCATE. EMPOWER.” And, they exceeded their promise with an approved, web-based education and training program that embraces learning principles.

It made learning fun and efficient.  Their training included modules containing workbooks, PDFs, links to resources, and videos. And their test questions helped me feel prepared to pass the CASAC exam……

Thanks to their support, I completed my coursework ahead of schedule. I’ve spent a substantial portion of my career in the knowledge business, teaching college and grad students, accountants, and attorneys. Additionally, as a director of training and development for my Behavioral Consulting firm, I’ve trained many employees.

So, I’m speaking from experience when I say that Maria Mendez, John Makohen, and their Educational Enhancement team is doing a great job changing the world — one addiction counselor at a time. BRAVO! “

—Burton M. Fischler MPsych, Author of THE GIFT: TRAUMA TO TRIUMPH.

” I recently finished OASAS CASAC Section 4 with Educational Enhancement CASAC online. The distance learning classes are wonderfully written and easy to understand, and you can feel the passion for helping others succeed put into this work. When I asked questions about the information, Johnny was quick to reply and help me out. The trainings were set up to work at my speed -between work and school. The information went above and beyond and was taught in a way that sticks in your mind. Thank you.
I will come back for renewal hours once I’m a CASAC. “—Allie Patat CASAC Student

” It was user friendly, and I hope myself and my fellow students use this knowledge to make a real change in people’s lives. Chantay was a great instructor and person. “—Jasmine CASAC Student

” As of today I have started at a CASAC-T position with Samaritan Dayton Village and wanted to reach back and thank you for being such a knowledgable and personable instructor. I hope to do good work here and wish you the best. Thank you.”—Xavier Bodensieck CASAC 350 Student

 

” Wow! I didn’t realize I was this close to completing it! Thanks for your kind words of encouragement. It’s been a great experience with drug counselor certificate training. You’re an AMAZING instructor. I looked forward to class every weekend! “
Ashley CASAC 350 Student

” I have been looking for online CASAC at your pace for more than two years. I came across this program last year, and I am so glad that, as a full-time worker, I can do this course at my own pace and in my comfort zone at an affordable price compared to what colleges will take. Thank you all for making this course available for people like me. Looking forward to achieving excellent knowledge from this program. Thanks”
—ADELEYE, OMOLARA CASAC Student

 

” I’m probably one of the first students trained for the 350 hours of training.  I was confident when I went for my exam and passed on my first try.  I have been using them for re-credentialing since.  Everyone I have referred has been very happy with the Educational Enhancement’s CASAC Training and Renewal program.” —Malin Falu Director ,The PAC Program

Thank you from the bottom of my heart. This course is not just comprehensive but exceptionally well-written. I’ve absorbed a wealth of knowledge and I’m truly grateful for the dedication and hard work that’s gone into crafting this exceptional learning experience. Kind regards, as always—Linda Belsten Ph.D CASAC 350 Graduate

 

“Educational Enhancement was a great choice for my CASAC  education and training!  Overall, the training setup made a lot of sense to me. It flowed smoothly, especially with all the information-packed inside.  I never felt overwhelmed. I did well on the tests, even in the areas I thought I would struggle in.”—Zachary Stamp Student CASAC and LMHC

“What can I say about Educational Enhancement?  They helped me to become a CASAC. The training programs were informative, easy for me to understand and the trainers were excellent.  I still call them when I have a question about training programs, re-credential requirements, and what’s new in the field.  I highly recommend Educational Enhancement to anyone seeking CASAC training.”       
—Charles Odugbesan CASAC 350 Graduate

“As part of my application for CASAC certification, I participated in 15 hours of additional training through Educational Enhancement. I found the courses very well-prepared and delivered and received important information from them very useful in my work in addiction counseling. I appreciate the professionalism and efficiency of setting up the training needed and processing my completion certificate. I will certainly recommend this site and these courses to my peers and the director of my program.”       —Eric A. Kreuter , CPA, CGMA, CFE, CBA

” I wanted just to take a second and say thank you.  Thank you for taking the time to do this, I think you are helping a lot of people understand the role. I’ll be transitioning into my new CASAC role in the next couple of months, thanks to Educational Enhancement CASAC Online.”
— Ryan KulkarniCASAC student

 

” I found the CASAC training to be not only exciting but informative and helpful. I love the recovery field; therefore, I enjoy learning and do well with the training. As a visual learner, I respond well to visual teaching; therefore, the pre-recorded videos and added resources benefited me. I could download the workbooks and follow along with the videos while taking notes. I also liked repeating the questions in the final exam because the repetitive questions from previous tests helped me learn.”
— Melinda Zox Stewart. Mental health; recovery field

” Thank you so much for the opportunity to be able to complete these courses on my time – some days I am able to dedicate 8-10 hours and some days I cannot log on at all. Not having to present to a “scheduled class” on a particular day at a set time makes it so much more convenient to meet the necessary requirements and I cannot thank you enough for creating this program and these courses.”
— Collen M. Jackson PhD Vocational Counselor, Helio Health

 

” I learned so much, from cultural diversity training to professional development. I work as a 1st responder, and the different things I read about and watched videos of helped me be more patient with colleagues and callers needing assistance.”—Josette Beckles First Responder

” My drug counselor certification training with EECo has been an incredible journey, and I am so glad I have completed this program. I’ve been wanting to do this for so very long, but I couldn’t find a way to do it due to work conflicts. I am just so grateful that EECO’s self-paced hybrid training could accommodate my hectic schedule. Thank you so much! :)”

— Margaret Reinold
CASAC 350 Graduate

Start Your Journey as a Peer Support Leader

Your lived experience is powerful. This training helps you transform that power into professional purpose.

Enroll today in the 60-Hour Peer Advocacy and Support Specialist Training Program and take the first step toward becoming a Certified Recovery Peer Advocate.

Your future—and someone else’s recovery—could start with this choice.

Certified Peer Recovery Advocates celebrating their certification after completing our CRPA 60-hour training online

Have Questions?

Contact Us Today

201.701.3205

Educational Enhancement CASAC Online

NAADAC Approved Provider | Peer-Led | Recovery-Informed

Free guide to addiction counselor (CASAC) credentialing

Get Your Free Guide With Newsletter Subscription

Are you ready to launch your career in addiction counseling?

Not only does our FREE guide will erase all doubts about the addiction counseling credentialing process, but it also dives deep into NYS certification-CASAC.

Educational Enhancement is an OASAS approved CASAC training provider (#0415).

We also accept ACCESS-VR (formerly VESID) as payment for those who qualify. 

 

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Free guide to addiction counselor (CASAC) credentialing

Get Your Free Guide With Newsletter Subscription

Are you ready to launch your career in addiction counseling?

Not only does our FREE guide will erase all doubts about the addiction counseling credentialing process, but it also dives deep into NYS certification-CASAC.

Educational Enhancement is an OASAS approved CASAC training provider (#0415).

We also accept ACCESS-VR (formerly VESID) as payment for those who qualify. 

 

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This