Course

This four-hour live virtual continuing education training prepares Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialists to recognize suicide-related warning signs, support collaborative safety planning conversations, and coordinate effectively with licensed clinical staff — all within the defined scope of peer support practice.

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

  • Identify behavioral, verbal, and situational warning signs of suicide risk

  • Describe the peer role in collaborative safety planning as distinct from clinical assessment

  • Apply trauma-informed, person-centered communication strategies in moments of distress

  • Explain escalation and referral protocols for coordinating with licensed clinical team members

  • Recognize personal emotional responses to crisis work and identify self-care strategies

Course ID: ESS-CE-001 | Format: Live Virtual (Zoom) | CE Hours: 4 | Fee: $125

Essential Steps LLC is an approved Continuing Education provider under the CalMHSA Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification Program (approval number to be issued upon approval).

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Meet your instructor

Amir Nader Bahmani, M.D., AMFT #155148

Dr. Bahmani is a dually credentialed clinician holding a Doctor of Medicine from St. George's University and a Master of Arts in Psychology from Pepperdine University. He is a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist licensed in California.

His clinical experience spans psychiatric emergency services at San Francisco General Hospital, substance use treatment at BAART Programs, and community mental health with the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health. He brings a uniquely integrated medical and psychotherapeutic perspective to behavioral health workforce education, with a deep commitment to serving underserved and culturally diverse populations.

Dr. Bahmani is fluent in English and Farsi, with developing proficiency in Spanish.

Dr. Bahmani discloses no financial conflicts of interest related to the content of this course.

FAQs

  • Question 1: Who is this training designed for?

    Answer: This training is designed for Medi-Cal certified Peer Support Specialists, peer navigators, recovery coaches, and behavioral health paraprofessionals working in integrated care settings. Supervisors of peer support programs seeking structured workforce training for their teams are also welcome to register.

  • Question 2: How do I receive my CE certificate?

    Answer: Participants who attend the full 4-hour live session, pass the post-training knowledge check with a minimum score of 75%, and complete the course evaluation will receive a certificate of completion via email within 48 hours. Certificates include your full legal name, license number, course title, CE hours awarded, and training date.

  • Question 3: What is your refund and cancellation policy?

    Answer: Full refunds are available for cancellation requests submitted at least 72 hours before your scheduled training date. Requests submitted within 72 hours of the session will receive a credit toward a future training. No refund or credit is issued for no-shows. To request a cancellation, email info@essentialsteps.org with your name and registration confirmation.

  • Question 4: What accommodations are available for participants with disabilities?

    Answer: Essential Steps LLC is committed to accessible education for all participants. Accommodations including closed captioning, extended break time, and accessible materials are available upon request. Please contact info@essentialsteps.org at least five business days before your training date to discuss your needs.