Arkansas Peer Specialist Program

On behalf of the State of Arkansas, the Arkansas Peer Advisory Committee, and NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals, I would like to say thank you for your interest in pursuing peer support and using your lived experience to help others.

I know how hard you fought to overcome the grips of addiction. I understand that recovery is not easy. Your passion and commitment to help others is vital in the battle against addiction.

Peer Support is a non-clinical role that can only be filled by an individual who has walked through the flames of addiction and found a life of recovery from a substance use and/or other mental health disorder. Through our lived experience we have turned our past into a purpose, our mess into a message, and our test into a testimony.

It is through that lived experience that we can reach others that are still struggling with addiction and role model a life of recovery through our actions, shared decision making, and mutual support.

The State of Arkansas is embracing the concept that recovery is possible and empowering us to be a key part of the solution. Knowing that you have overcome the despair of this disease is an inspiration to others that are engulfed in the battle.

Through our training, education, experience, and peer supervision you will be equipped to become an invaluable asset to the Behavioral Health System in Arkansas. Together we can break stigma, raise awareness, and use our lived experience to help others find and sustain a life of recovery.

If you are ready to join us in this fight against addiction, we invite you to begin the application process with NAADAC and start your peer recovery journey today!

Your friend in recovery,

Jimmy McGill, PRPS
State Recovery Manager
Jimmy.mcgill@dhs.arkansas.gov
501.478.9091

Applying for the Arkansas Peer Specialist Program (APSP)

To begin the process of becoming a Peer in Training (PIT) or continue your process of advancing through the Arkansas Model of the peer training, please click the application button below. This will take you to the APSP page on NAADAC’s website, where you will find information about each level of the program and the corresponding application.
To begin the certification process you must complete the Core PR Application process and attend the 30-hour Arkansas Core Training.

Arkansas Peer Specialist Program Form


Contact Information

Jimmy McGill, PRPS
State Recovery Manager
DAABHS/Substance Abuse Treatment Unit
Email: Jimmy.McGill@dhs.arkansas.gov
Cell: (501)478-9091

Kyle Brewer, BS, PRPS
Peer Specialist Program Manager
NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals
Email: Kbrewer@naadac.org
Cell: (703)253-3548


Drug Director APSP DHS