Yes. We offer limited scholarships that are available for the DBHDS 72-Hour Peer Recovery Specialist (PRS) Training for those who are eligible in Virginia and can vary in nature. Scholarship opportunities and eligibility change throughout the year, and additional programs or funding options may become available. Even if you do not currently meet the listed scholarship criteria, you may be considered for other programs as they become available. So we strongly encourage you to complete the screening process regardless of what you see on this page. We typically have ongoing scholarship opportunities specifically designed for female veterans and veterans with lived experience of incarceration who are interested in becoming Peer Recovery Specialists. If you do not fit within that category, again, still go through with the Screening. Things change all of the time and you may be eligible for a different program. The training is offered at no cost to qualifying participants and prepares individuals for meaningful peer support roles in the community. What the training includes: • Foundations of peer recovery support • Trauma-informed and person-centered approaches • Ethics, boundaries, and professionalism • Recovery-focused communication skills • Preparation for community-based peer support roles Program format and expectations: • Virtual training over 5 weeks • Structured schedule on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, and Saturdays • Homework and active participation required • Desktop or laptop computer required (mobile devices not supported) What participants receive: • A full scholarship covering the DBHDS 72-Hour PRS Training (approximately $500 value) • Digital training materials • A self-care book (approximately $22 value) Who this scholarship is for: • Veterans with lived experience of recovery and/or mental health challenges • Individuals who want to give back through peer support • Those able to commit to a short-term, structured training program • Individuals ready for personal and professional growth How to get started in Steps (steps must be completed in order): 1. Register and Complete 72 hour Training Application at VAPRS.org(https://www.vaprs.org/become-a-peer/Training-Application-Selection/) 2. RSVP (https://www.zenowellnessgroup.com/event-list)t(https://www.zenowellnessgroup.com/event-list)hrough the ZenoWellnessGroup.com website 3. Call to request a screening and interview (Screenings can not happen without Step 1)

The full PRS certification program is $500. This includes e-training materials, but does not include supervision hours if needed, proctored examination fees. Payment plans are not available, and some scholarship opportunities exist for qualifying candidates. We do not except credit cards or personal checks. We do accept Bank Cashiers Check, Money Orders and Bank Wire Transfers. Student ID numbers and enrollment will not be given until payment is received. Enrollment is based on 1st come, 1st Served basis. If payment does not arrive in time, another class will be offered or a full refund will be given. All Money Orders and Checks must be made to: PerCilla Zeno Mailed to: PerCilla Zeno 601 N. Mechanic St. #224 Franklin, VA 23851 Additionally, our grant-funded peer training programs often include expanded services beyond the standard curriculum, offering further support and resources to enhance your learning experience. These expanded costs are generally covered by the sponsoring grant or funding source, not the individual participant.

The PRS training fee reflects the experience, scope, and real-world application built into the program. Training is led by a Registered Peer Recovery Specialist (RPRS) and Certified Community Health Worker with extensive experience designing, operating, and supervising peer-driven programs within nonprofit and state-licensed outpatient behavioral health settings. Participants benefit from instruction grounded in actual peer practice, including ethics, boundaries, documentation, and professional readiness. The training is shaped by direct experience working alongside Peer Recovery Specialists, community partners, and clinical teams—preparing participants for peer roles beyond the classroom. Check out the Google Reviews: Reviews for Zeno Wellness Group(https://www.google.com/search?q=google+reviews+zeno+wellness+group&rlz=1C1ONGR_enUS1113US1113&oq=google+reviews+zeno+wellness+group&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIGCAEQRRhA0gEJMTMzNzhqMGo3qAIAsAIA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8)

To enroll in our DBHDS PRS certificate program, you must be at least 18 years old, have lived experience with mental health or substance use recovery, and be in stable recovery for at least one year. You also need to submit a completed VAPRS.Org (VAPRS.Org)Training application, pass a screening and trainer interview, and have a high school diploma or GED. If you do not have a application on the VAPRS.org site - we can not do a screening. Please Note: A RSVP does not guarantee enrollment.

Our PRS DBHDS certificate training program includes about 72 hours of training, usually completed over 5-6 weeks depending on the schedule. We offer evening training and daytime internships to fit your needs.

Currently we offer Virtual options only. Eastern Standard time. Our in-person internships are held at our Franklin Training Center & we partner with other facilities that provide internships as well. A Hybrid experience could include combine online instruction with required in-person sessions for hands-on internship training if selected.

Yes. We Work With Partners Who Offer Internships One of our partner organizations, That Zen Life Wellness Foundation (TZL), offers a Community Peer Program / SMVF Cooperative Volunteer Trainee (CVT) Internship designed for individuals who want to become Peer Recovery Specialists in Virginia. This is a 160-hour, structured peer support internship that provides hands-on, real-world experience in a supervised, community-based setting. Participants gain practical skills in peer engagement, documentation, ethics, and community outreach while building confidence and professional readiness. Program highlights include: • Supervised community-based peer support experience • Professional skill development and mentorship • Eligibility for a DBHDS 72-Hour Peer Recovery Specialist Training Scholarship • Stipend support (up to $3,000 total) to help offset participation and travel costs Program requirements include: • Completion of 160 supervised volunteer hours (approximately 40 hours per week) • A short-term, structured schedule (up to 4 weeks total) • Access to a desktop or laptop computer • Reliable transportation (personal vehicle required) https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f676b0_bde369b112ca4156bf538196188eccde~mv2.jpg This internship is ideal for individuals with lived experience in recovery or mental health who are looking to give back, grow professionally, and pursue certification as a Peer Recovery Specialist. For more information or to get started, interested individuals can register through VAPRS.org and follow the screening and interview process outlined by TZL. Limited spaces Available.

Upon successful completion of the training and passing the DBHDS class, you will receive your Peer Recovery Specialist certificate recognized by the state to move forward with the completion of your 500 hours ours to sit for the state proctored exam. We also provide support for obtaining additional skills.

Certified PRS professionals can work in various settings such as treatment centers, hospitals, community mental health centers, recovery residences, and private practices. Many of our graduates find employment within months of certification. We also offer career placement assistance at Zeno Wellness Group for positions within Virginia if eligible.

Yes! We offer a variety of continuing education workshops and courses for both certified and non-certified peer specialists. These cover specialized topics like trauma-informed care and advanced peer support techniques to help you maintain and enhance your skills.

You can get a full refund if you cancel at least 14 days before the course starts. If you cancel within 14 days, you'll receive a 50% refund or can transfer to a future cohort. No refunds are given after the course begins, but transfers may be arranged for extenuating circumstances before the class starts.