Hosted by The Penn Collaborative for CBT and Implementation Science.
The Certified Older Adult Peer Specialist (COAPS) program works nationally to address the unmet mental health needs of older adults. COAPS trains Certified Peer Specialists (CPS) to be older adult behavioral health specialists and wellness coaches. This specialized training prepares older adults in recovery to provide hope, empowerment, and support to others through shared experiences.
The specialized COAPS training is 18 hours, offered in person or remotely, and addresses topics such as normal aging, cultural responsiveness, and trauma. We also emphasize recovery-oriented support and motivational interviewing. COAPS are important partners in meeting the needs of older adults, as they are well-equipped to engage them in services, guide them through the recovery process, and help them navigate healthcare systems.
This training is limited to current CPSs who work in community mental health services for individuals outside an institutional setting, including outpatient, IBHS, ACT, FEP, and PRS.
If you are interested in attending this training, please fill out this online survey by May 6, 2026.
At the Penn Collaborative, we are committed to raising the standard of mental healthcare for all. We focus on ensuring that people in low-resource communities, who often face significant barriers to care, can access high-quality, evidence-based practices (EBPs).