“Working in this field has been transformative, opening doors I never imagined possible.”

Luis, a 51-year-old Philadelphian, works as a Certified Peer Specialist. His experiences living with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Schizoaffective Disorder have helped him become a Certified Peer Specialist and work with others who need mental health services.

It all started in 2022 when Luis realized his potential to help others facing similar mental health challenges. “Learning about Certified Peer Specialists classes through DBHIDS got me excited. I enrolled in the training and loved it.”

Luis took the free, two-week intensive course. “At first the class was challenging, but it also helped me understand things about my life and experiences. The instructors were very nice and helped me learn about peer support,” Luis said.

“After the class, I decided to take the exam to become a Licensed Peer Specialist in Pennsylvania. I passed my certification exam with a perfect score!”

This achievement paved the way for new opportunities. Luis was accepted for a paid internship at Mental Health Partners, a non-profit organization based in Philadelphia. The internship provided Luis with an income and allowed him to continue learning by working under the supervision of an experienced manager.

“I gained so much hands-on experience in peer work. The supportive environment and guidance from my instructor were so important for feeling competent and confident.”

Luis even attended an international conference in Washington D.C. where he connected with mental health professionals from all around the world.

After completing his internship, Luis was offered a position as a chatline specialist. “Working on the chatline is great because I can support Philadelphians that want to learn about mental health.” In his work, he provides resources, offers support, and answers questions.

Every day at work is a little different from the day before. “The calls keep me engaged and motivated to make a difference in people’s lives. This experience has shown me that with the right support and opportunities, it is possible to transform personal struggles into a powerful force for helping others.”