We are Best Now!
Best Now is a peer-led organization that focuses on training Peer Support Specialists (PSS) to provide mental health and addiction support to individuals.
Join our team as a Peer to Peer Counselor.
Meet Our Team
Elizabeth
Gama
Program Manager
Elizabeth is a mental health professional for 7+ years, passionate about expanding peer support. Dog lover, cook, runner. Join her in the peer movement!
Markeeta
Parker
Program Trainer
"Markeet'a Parker is a Peer Support Specialist Trainer, public speaker, mental health advocate for 10+ years. Oakland native, international conference presenter."
Nipun (Neel) Gupta
Program Trainer
Neel is a Corporate manager turned non-profit PSS. BestNow team member since Oct 2022. Advocate for mental health, volunteering, learning, and outdoors.
Stephen Keany Marks
Program Trainer
Stephen is a Peer Support Specialist, WRAP® Advanced Level and Hearing Voices Network Facilitator. Mental health and recovery advocate. Cyclist, bodyboarder, swimmer.
Keisean
Raines
Program Trainer
Keisean is The Calm Coach, Wellness Advocate, Business Consultant, & Peer Support Specialist. Yoga teacher, meditation guide, breathwork coach, author, & podcaster.
Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Training
Best Now's Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Training program is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to become certified Peer Support Specialists.
The program is led by experienced Peer Support Specialists and mental health professionals and covers a wide range of topics, including mental health and addiction recovery, trauma-informed care, and communication and advocacy skills.
Best Now's Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Training program offers an 80-hour live online course facilitated in a virtual classroom, led by experienced Peer Support Specialists and mental health professionals, the program covers a range of topics, including mental health and addiction recovery, trauma-informed care, and communication and advocacy skills.
Best Now is an authorized training entity of CalMHSA
Minimum Qualifications
Application Process
*Acceptance in the training program is not automatic. Applicants will be informed whether or not they are accepted into the training program.
Training Course
Best Now's Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Training program offers an 80-hour live online course facilitated in a virtual classroom over the course of four weeks, Monday - Thursday, from 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm.
Participants will have the opportunity to engage in interactive discussions, role-playing exercises, and real-world experiences. The online format allows for flexibility and convenience, and participants will be able to connect with others from across the state who share their passion for peer support services.
Apply Now for Peer Support Specialist Certification Training
Peer-to-Peer Counseling Internship
The Peer to Peer Counseling Internship program at Best Now provides individuals with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in peer support services. Interns will work alongside experienced Peer Support Specialists to provide support to individuals in mental health and addiction recovery.
The program includes training modules covering topics such as trauma-informed care, communication and advocacy skills, and ethical considerations in peer support services. Interns will also have access to ongoing supervision and support to ensure their success in the program.
This program is an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in pursuing a career in mental health and addiction recovery to gain real-world experience and make a positive impact in their communities.
By the end of the program, interns will have the skills and confidence necessary to pursue careers as Peer Support Specialists and continue to support others on their journey towards mental wellness.
Minimum Qualifications
Application Process
Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Law & Ethics Training
Best Now's Medi-CAL Peer Support Specialist (PSS) Law & Ethics Training. This specialized program has been tailored to meet the unique needs of Peer Support Specialists working within the Medi-CAL system.
The program is led by experienced Peer Support Specialists and mental health professionals and covers a wide range of topics, including mental health and addiction recovery, trauma-informed care, and communication and advocacy skills.
The training offers an in-depth exploration of laws and ethical standards applicable to the critical work of Peer Support Specialists. Topics will cover areas such as confidentiality, informed consent, mandated reporting, professional boundaries, cultural competency, and more. These essential skills and knowledge can support specialists in providing compassionate, ethical, and legally sound assistance to those they serve.
Best Now is an authorized training entity of CalMHSA
Minimum Qualifications
The Medi-CAL PSS Law & Ethics Training is open to both new and experienced Peer Support Specialists. Whether you are just starting your journey in this field or looking to update your knowledge and skills, this training will be an invaluable resource.
California Peer Support Specialist Exam Preparation
We're excited to announce the launch of our Medi-CAL Peer Support Specialist Exam Study Sessions! These sessions are designed to equip those preparing to take the Medi-CAL Peer Support Specialist certification exam with the knowledge and confidence they need to succeed.
They'll offer a comprehensive review of critical topics, an opportunity to practice with sample questions and a forum for discussion and query resolution with experienced professionals.
We encourage anyone preparing for the certification exam to take advantage of these study sessions as a valuable resource in their journey towards becoming a certified Peer Support Specialist. Stay tuned for more information on dates, times, and how to register for these sessions.
Minimum Qualifications
Upcoming Training Sessions
July
July 14, 2023
August
August 11, 2023
*Exact dates are subject to change. Training calendar provided once dates are approved
Continuing Education Units (CEU)
One of the great advantages of this training is its fulfillment of the 6-hour Continuing Education Units (CEUs) requirement for Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialists in California. This means that by completing this training, participants will satisfy a significant portion of their ongoing professional development obligations.
We're proud to share that Best Now! is a certified training vendor of California Mental Health Services Authority (CalMHSA). Rest assured that our training programs are thoroughly vetted and recognized for their quality and relevance.
Minimum Qualifications
For enrollment in our PSS Continuing Education Units program, applicants must have completed initial Peer Support Specialist training and be actively working in the field. This requirement ensures participants have a foundational understanding and practical experience to further enhance through our CEU program. This commitment to ongoing professional development enables us to offer a program that is both meaningful and effective in enriching your role as a Peer Support Specialist.
Upcoming CEU Sessions
July 21 & August 18
August 15
November 17 & December 15
*Exact dates are subject to change. Training calendar provided once dates are approved
Need Peer Support?
Peer to Peer Counseling is a service provided by trained Peer Support Specialists who have lived experience with mental health and addiction recovery.
This service offers individuals a safe and supportive environment to share their struggles and receive non-judgmental guidance and encouragement from someone who has been through similar experiences. Peer Support Specialists provide emotional support, assist with setting goals, and connect individuals with resources in the community.
This approach helps to promote hope, healing, and empowerment for those seeking support, and can lead to improved mental wellness and quality of life. If you are looking for support in your mental health and addiction recovery journey, Peer to Peer Counseling may be a valuable resource for you.