​

The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) serves as the certifying authority for Georgia Certified Peer Specialists. This includes the Certified Peer Specialist–Mental Health (CPS-MH), Certified Peer Specialist–Addictive Disease (CPS-AD), Certified Peer Specialist–Parent (CPS-P), Certified Peer Specialist–Youth (CPS-Y), as well as any additional CPS specializations that may emerge.
 

This Ethical Behavior Code applies to all Georgia Certified Peer Specialists who have obtained certification through DBHDD via one of the approved training agencies: the Georgia Council for Recovery, the Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network, or the Georgia Parent Support Network.

 

1. As a Certified Peer Specialist, my primary responsibility is to prioritize my recovery. I will conduct myself in a manner that supports and strengthens my personal recovery journey. If I encounter challenges—such as struggles with substance use, mental health, or any other personal difficulties—that may impact my recovery or ability to serve others effectively, I will immediately notify my supervisor and seek appropriate support.

 

2. Recovery is guided by self-determination. I assist others in achieving their needs, wants, and goals, by acknowledging there are many pathways to recovery.

 

3. I will advocate on behalf of the individuals I serve, ensuring they have the autonomy to make their own decisions when interacting with other professionals. I am committed to upholding the Faces and Voices of Recovery Bill of Rights for every person I serve.

 

4. I will advocate for the full integration of peers into self-selected recovery communities of their choice and will promote the inherent value of these individuals to those communities. Certified Peer Specialists are guided by the belief that all individuals have the right to live in the least restrictive and least intrusive environment as defined by the individual.  

 

5. I will maintain a high standard of personal conduct and act in accordance to the law. 

 

6. I will at all times respect the rights and dignity of those I serve.

 

7. I will not practice, condone, facilitate or collaborate in any form of discrimination.

 

8. I will provide recovery services regardless of someone's age, sex, gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, political belief, language, socioeconomic status, mental or physical condition, or any other preference or personal characteristic, condition or state. If differences that impact the motivation for recovery occur, I seek consultation and, if necessary, make a referral to another recovery support.

 

9. I will never intimidate, threaten, harass, use undue influence, physical force, sexual advancements or verbal abuse, or make unwarranted promises of benefits to the individuals I serve.
 

 

10. I share my lived experiences to help others identify meaningful resources and supports that promote hope and recovery. 
 

11. It is my duty to respect and protect the privacy of those I serve and other CPSs, and I will abide by confidentiality guidelines set by my employer, the law, and recovery spaces.
 

12. I will not engage in sexual or intimate relations with peers or their immediate family members while they are actively receiving services from the organization whom I am employed with.

 

13. I will refrain from engaging in sexual or intimate relationships with a peer for at least one year after services within the organization, for whom I am employed, have ended.

 

14. I will not lend, borrow money or accept gifts of significant value from the peers I serve.
 

15. I will avoid dual relationships, conflicts of interest, and financial dealings with the peers I serve.
 

16. I will improve my recovery service knowledge and skills through emerging and ongoing education, training, and supervision in alignment with my training agency’s continuing education policy.