Turning Point Hosts 3rd Annual Peer Academy Oct. 2

Turning Point Behavioral Health Care Center, a recognized leader in employing peer counselors (individuals who identify as a peer in recovery), offers its third annual Peer Academy workshops on Friday, Oct. 2 at 8324 N. Skokie Boulevard. A workshop for peer employers will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and the session fee is $45. The peer counselor workshop is from 1 to 4 p.m. and the session fee is $15. Participants are invited to stay for a networking lunch between sessions. Lunch will be provided for an additional cost of $5. For more information visit www.tpoint.org.

This is the first year Turning Point will offer a training geared toward employers in the mental health care field, welcoming agencies who either currently employ, or are considering employing peer counselors. Both Peer Academy sessions will cover the topics of how peer counselors promote the organizational mission, supervision, and wellness and modeling recovery.

Turning Point’s Living Room Coordinator Peter Robichaux, one of the Academy organizers and presenters, said, “Peer counselors have a special rapport and a unique ability to meet clients where they are. Their personal experience in navigating mental health care systems means they are able to offer skillful encouragement that allows our guests to design their own recovery journeys.”

Turning Point has a track record of creating innovative programs that save both money and lives. In 2011, Turning Point opened The Living Room, a calming oasis where adults in psychiatric crisis can go, instead of making an unnecessary trip to the emergency room. Despite its limited operating budget, The Living Room has saved an estimated $1.7 million in health care costs since it opened by deflecting people from more costly hospital emergency room departments.

Turning Point CEO Ann Fisher Raney said, “All organizations engaged in providing excellent mental health care have a responsibility to share what they have learned about providing quality care while responding to funding limitations, and changes in the community. Turning Point aims to open up dialogue in order to share best practices and help others reduce the costs of providing high quality services.”

CEUs will be offered toward Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) credentialing, as well as licensure for social workers, counselors, marriage and family therapists and psychologists. Registration is required by September 25 at 4 p.m. To register email TheLivingRoom@tpoint.org or visit www.tpoint.org for more information.