Illinois surpasses 1,000 certified peer specialists - reported by Health News Illinois

Illinois recently surpassed 1,000 certified peer professionals, which officials said is a milestone in the greater effort to build the state’s behavioral health workforce.

The Department of Human Services said that 1,010 individuals are now credentialed as certified recovery support specialists as well as certified peer recovery specialists.

The growth is a 335 percent increase in the workforce since 2022.

“Growing our behavioral health workforce has been one of the most impactful investments we’ve made in strengthening our system,” Gov. JB Pritzker said in a statement. “This milestone reflects real, statewide momentum, and we’re committed to continuing to grow this workforce so more Illinoisans can access the hope, support, and connection they need.”

Peer professionals serve individuals in community mental health centers, substance use treatment programs, hospitals, mobile crisis teams and recovery homes.

Officials noted a driver for the growth is the creation of a program in DHS’s Division of Mental Health to help cover the education costs for students entering the behavioral health workforce.

The program is funded by revenue from the adult-use cannabis tax.

###