Recovery Coaches & Certified Recovery Peer Advocates (CRPAs) in New York
Discover compassionate, credentialed peer support professionals who understand your journey because they've walked it themselves. Serving Nassau and Suffolk Counties with expertise and empathy.
What is a Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA)?
A Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) is a professionally trained and certified individual who has lived experience with substance use disorder and is now in sustained recovery. CRPAs use their personal recovery journey to inspire, mentor, and support others facing similar challenges.
In New York State, CRPAs are credentialed through the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) and must complete rigorous training, including:
What is a Certified Addiction Recovery Coach?
A Certified Addiction Recovery Coach is a trained professional who provides non-clinical support to individuals in recovery from substance use disorders. While similar to CRPAs, recovery coaches may or may not have personal lived experience with addiction, but they are certified through national organizations like CARC (Certified Addiction Recovery Coach) or similar credentialing bodies.
Recovery coaches focus on helping clients:
CRPA vs. Recovery Coach: Key Differences
Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA)
Certified Addiction Recovery Coach
How to Verify CRPA Certification Status
Ensure your recovery professional is properly certified through New York State's official verification systems
Official NY Certification Verification
All New York State Certified Recovery Peer Advocates (CRPAs) must be registered with the NY Certification Board. You can verify a professional's current certification status through the official public registry:
Search by name or certification number to verify active CRPA credentials
Learn about certification requirements, renewal processes, and ethical standards
What to Look For When Verifying:
Important: Always verify credentials before working with any recovery professional. Legitimate CRPAs will readily provide their certification number and welcome verification.
Becoming a Certified Recovery Peer Advocate in New York
Interested in becoming a CRPA? Learn about training programs and certification pathways
If you're in sustained recovery and want to give back by helping others, becoming a Certified Recovery Peer Advocate may be the perfect path. New York offers comprehensive training programs throughout the state.
Official CRPA Training Programs
The Foundation for Opioid Response Efforts in New York (FOR-NY) hosts OASAS-approved Recovery Coach Academy trainings throughout the state. This is the primary pathway to CRPA certification in New York.
46-hour OASAS-approved curriculum
Multiple training locations across New York State
Virtual and in-person training options available
Financial assistance and scholarships often available
Official guidance from the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports on peer certification requirements and standards
CRPA Certification Requirements:
Upcoming CRPA Training Events
Register for upcoming Recovery Coach Academy trainings across New York State
About these trainings: All trainings listed below are OASAS-approved and count toward CRPA certification requirements. They are provided by Friends of Recovery - New York (FOR-NY) in partnership with qualified trainers.
Visit the FOR-NY training calendar for the most current schedule and registration details.
Virtual 30 Credit Hours CCAR Recovery Coach Academy
Virtual 50 Credit Hours RCA Ethics MSR
Virtual 30 Credit Hours CCAR Recovery Coach Academy (Evening)
In-Person 30 Credit Hours Recovery Coach Academy
Virtual 30 Credit Hours Recovery Coach Academy
Virtual 30 Credit Hours Recovery Coach Academy (Evening)
Virtual 30 Credit Hours CCAR Recovery Coach Academy
Important Training Information:
- Trainings are non-refundable - please confirm your availability before registering
- Trainings not meeting minimum attendance may be rescheduled or canceled (24-hour notice provided)
- Confirm with the trainer that your training is approved for CRPA certification credits
- Questions? Contact asmith-wilson@for-ny.org
Services Provided by Long Island Recovery Professionals
Recovery Support
- • One-on-one peer mentoring
- • Crisis intervention support
- • Relapse prevention strategies
- • Emotional support & encouragement
- • Recovery planning & goal setting
Community Navigation
- • Connecting to treatment services
- • Sober living placement assistance
- • Support group introductions
- • Healthcare & social service referrals
- • Transportation coordination
Advocacy & Education
- • Family education & counseling
- • Self-advocacy skill building
- • Stigma reduction education
- • Aftercare planning support
- • Case management coordination
Why Work with a CRPA or Recovery Coach?
Peer support has been proven to significantly improve recovery outcomes
Evidence-Based Benefits:
Personal Advantages:
How to Connect with a Recovery Professional on Long Island
Nassau County Resources
Suffolk County Resources
Contact Us for Personalized Referrals
Our team can connect you with qualified CRPAs and Certified Recovery Coaches serving Nassau and Suffolk Counties. We maintain relationships with local professionals and can match you based on your specific needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Recovery Coaches & CRPAs
Frequently Asked Questions
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