Envision Unlimited President & CEO Mark McHugh celebrates with a program graduate.
The Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) Success Program helps individuals with lived experience of mental health and/or substance use recovery transform that experience into a rewarding career supporting others on their recovery journey.
Interested in learning more about the CRSS program?
Contact Us: MHContactus@envisionunlimited.org or email Mmcgowan@EnvisionUnlimited.org
Phone: (773) 506-3161
Main Office: 4419 N. Ravenswood Ave., Chicago, IL 60640
Office Hours: Mon-Fri – 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Turn Recovery Into a Career That Changes Lives
Whether you're looking for a meaningful career or an opportunity to give back, our program provides the training, support, and guidance needed to become a Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) in Illinois. CRSS professionals are trained to incorporate their unique personal recovery experiences with mental health and/or substance use challenges to help others in similar situation. Their focus includes helping others develop coping strategies, promoting self-advocacy, and encouraging recovery-oriented services in a variety of mental health settings, including hospitals, recovery centers, and outpatient clinics.
Comprehensive training provides preparation for:
- Recovery coaching and peer support
- Effective communication and active listening
- Trauma-informed and recovery-oriented care
- Professional ethics and boundaries
- Advocacy and self-empowerment
- Cultural humility and person-centered support
- Wellness, resilience, and self-care
- Community resources and systems navigation
Benefits of participation include:
- No-Cost Training: Free for eligible individuals with lived experience who want to become certified as peer recovery professionals.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Complete Illinois Certification Board (ICB)-aligned training in advocacy, ethics, cultural competence, and recovery support. For individuals pursuing a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) credential, the program also fulfills the overlapping ICB training requirements.
- Hands-On Experience: Gain real-world skills through a supervised internship in behavioral health and recovery settings.
- Personalized Support: Work with dedicated Success Coaches who provide individualized guidance and help you overcome barriers to success.
- Certification Preparation: Meet ICB training requirements and prepare for the CRSS and CPRS certification exams.
- Career Opportunities: Launch a rewarding career providing peer recovery support in mental health, substance use, and community-based organizations.
- Make a Difference: Transform a lived experience into a meaningful career that inspires hope and supports others on their recovery journey.
After the completion of training and internship, students are eligible to take the CRSS or CPRS certification exam. Once passed, they earn a Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) or Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) credential and are equipped to provide peer support in settings such as community mental health centers, hospitals and health systems, substance use treatment programs, residential treatment programs, crisis response services, and nonprofit and community-based organizations.
To be eligible, a person must have lived experience in mental health or substance use recovery, a high school diploma or GED, and are at least 18 years of age. For consideration, first complete and submit the program application form by the deadline listed on the applicable class schedule(s) below. Qualified applicants participate in an interview during which they'll discuss their recovery journey and commitment to peer support, as well as ask any related questions.
The CRSS Application and Exam Fee Scholarship helps reduce financial barriers for individuals pursuing Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) certification by providing assistance with Illinois Certification Board (ICB) application and exam fees. The scholarship is open to individuals pursuing certification independently and is not intended for individuals currently applying to or actively participating in the CRSS Success Program.
