Certifications

The Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) is credential for individuals with personal, lived experience in their own recovery or experience as a family member or loved one. CPRS services are an important component in recovery-oriented systems of care. By offering insight into the recovery process based on their own experience, CPRSs are able to provide a unique perspective to those with similar life experiences.

The role of the CPRS reflects a collaborative and strength-based approach, with the primary goal being to assist individuals and family members in achieving sustained recovery from the effects of substance use and/or mental health issues. CPRSs are not clinicians; they serve in a supportive role within the community and/or treatment setting.  They do not replace other professional services; they complement the existing array of support services. 

The CPRS is not a sponsor, case manager or a therapist but rather a role model, mentor, advocate and motivator.

Services provided by the CPRS are a critical component of services that will substantially improve an individual’s ability to sustain recovery and wellness.

The Virginia Community Health Worker Advisory Group and Virginia Community Health Worker Association submit this document in support of certification of Community Health Workers (CHWs) working in Virginia.  Seven (7) domain areas have been identified and defined to ensure that individuals seeking to become “certified community health workers” in the Commonwealth have been trained and have experience in the domains.  The term “community health worker,” includes but is not limited to other titles such as outreach worker, lay health promoter, family advocate, peer leader, promotores de salud, and others.  Individuals interested in becoming a “certified community health worker” are defined as: Individual(s) who (i) applies his(her) unique understanding of the experience, language, and culture of the populations he(she) serves to promote healthy living and to help people take greater control over their health and lives and (ii) is trained to work in a variety of community settings, partnering in the delivery of health and human services to carry out one or more of the following roles: (a) providing culturally appropriate health education and information; (b) linking people to direct service providers, including informal counseling; (c) advocating for individual and community needs, including identification of gaps and existing strengths and actively building individual and community capacity.

Any person seeking to be a Virginia state-certified doula under 12VAC5-403 Certification of Doulas shall be a community-based doula and (i) meet the qualifications and education requirements established in 12VAC5-403 Certification of Doulas and (ii) hold a certification as a certified doula from a certifying body approved by the Virginia Board of Health. The Virginia Certification Board (VCB) is the certifying body approved by the Virginia Board of Health.

Looking for a State-Certified Doula? Visit the Registry here.

An entry level credential for those with a High School Diploma/GED or higher level. A substance use disorder counselor is a professional who works with individuals who are experiencing issues with substance use disorders. These professionals work with individuals to develop treatment plans and provide individual and/or group counseling to assist them to recover. A substance use disorder counselor may specialize in specific theories, modalities or work with specific groups. Available to newer addiction counselors wanting to begin the process of working toward full certification.

A bachelor’s degree substance use disorder counselor providing primary, direct, clinical, substance use disorder or co-occurring counseling to persons whose primary diagnosis is that of substance use disorder or providing supervision of said counseling. They have primary responsibility for providing substance use disorder counseling in an individual and/or group setting, preparing treatment plans, documenting client progress and is clinically supervised. This is an international, reciprocal credential.

The CADC is an international, reciprocal credential that uses the IC&RC examination. While many employers accept this credential, they may also require professionals to obtain the state-specific credential from the Virginia Board of Counseling known as the CSAC. VCB cannot answer questions regarding the CSAC or specific questions regarding its applicability to reimbursement/acceptance of the CSAC versus the CADC. This is an employer/organization determination/preference. Professionals interested in the CSAC must contact the Virginia Board of Counseling directly.

A Master’s degree or higher substance use disorder counselor providing primary, direct, clinical, substance use disorder or co-occurring counseling to persons whose primary diagnosis is that of substance use disorder or providing supervision of said counseling. They have primary responsibility for providing substance use disorder counseling in an individual and/or group setting, preparing treatment plans, documenting client progress and is clinically supervised. This is an international, reciprocal credential.

A credential for professionals who provide clinical supervision to substance use disorder counselors. Supervision is a formal or informal process that is administrative, educative, and supportive. It ensures quality of clinical care and extends over time. Supervision includes observation, mentoring, coaching, evaluating, inspiring, and creating an atmosphere that promotes self-motivation, learning, professional development, and ethical decision-making.

Available to newer prevention specialists wanting to begin the process of working toward full certification. A credential for professionals who facilitates and promotes positive growth in self, specific populations (i.e. groups at risk developing substance use issues), and the community at large. This professional uses specific knowledge and skills to design, implement and evaluate programs aimed at precluding or reducing problems caused by the use of substances.

A credential for professionals who facilitates and promotes positive growth in self, specific populations (i.e. groups at risk developing substance use issues), and the community at large. This professional uses specific knowledge and skills to design, implement and evaluate programs aimed at precluding or reducing problems caused by the use of substances.