Peer Credentialing Requirements Peer Professionals, we hear your concerns about credentialing in Colorado, so let’s talk about it. (Updated April 10, 2026) What the rule actually says: To bill Medicaid, Peer Support Professionals must either: ✔️ Be certified ✔️ OR be in the process of becoming certified In the Process […]
Continue ReadingImpact Story: Rande Gaier on Culinary, Hospitality Industry’s Mental Health
Impact Story: Rande Gaier on Culinary, Hospitality Industry’s Mental Health Looking at the Full Picture Every organization has that person who keeps the cogs turning behind the scenes. For Culinary Hospitality Outreach and Wellness (CHOW), that person is Rande Gaier. Typically, Gaier, the Operations Manager, would be busy with a […]
Continue ReadingDelayed E-mails Due to Microsoft Migration
We are currently migrating from Gmail to Microsoft and are experiencing delayed e-mails. We should be finished by April 30th. If you contact a COPA staff member via e-mail between now and April 30th, and do not receive a response by May 1, please resend the e-mail once the migration […]
Continue ReadingImpact Story: Heather Thompson on Veterans and Community Resources
Impact Story: Heather Thompson on Veterans and Community Resources Eager for Change Back when Heather Thompson was just a young adult, she met someone who would unknowingly change the trajectory of her life. Walking down the sidewalk in Thompson’s neighborhood was a woman carrying a duffel bag, weeping. “I went […]
Continue ReadingCPFS/CCPS Recertification Notice
Attention CPFS/CCPS Recertification Applicants We are updating the recertification application for both CPFS/CCPS on March 31, 2026. This may affect your recertification. Please read the section that matches your expiration date: If your credential expires before March 31, 2026 If your credential expires after March 31, 2026, but before July […]
Continue ReadingTrump SAMHSA Funding Cuts: Info & Updates
Trump SAMHSA Funding Cuts UPDATE: Cuts Reversed (January 15, 2026) Due to the fierce pushback from behavioral health advocates across the country, the SAMHSA grants have been reinstated. Thank you to everyone who moved quickly to voice their opposition to these cuts – you made a difference! Read More CEO […]
Continue ReadingImpact Story: Jamie Davis on Mothers and Families In SUD
Impact Story: Jamie Davis on Mothers and Families In Recovery Lived Experience in a New Light After meeting Jamie Davis five years ago through mutual friends, Racquel Garcia, founder of HardBeauty, tried convincing Davis to become a peer recovery coach. Even though Garcia saw her potential, Davis didn’t see herself […]
Continue ReadingNotice to CPFS + CCPS Applicants
About Our Communications… Earlier this year, COPA standardized both the CPFS and CCPS applications in Certemy. Over time, multiple versions of the application had been active in the system, which led to inconsistencies in review processes and some applicants unintentionally missing required steps. To ensure fairness, clarity, and consistency across […]
Continue ReadingQBHA and CPFS Differences & FAQ
Differences Between QBHA and CPFS At COPA, we support the expansion of the behavioral health workforce and seek to make industry career growth accessible to all Coloradans. One big goal is to increase accessibility to career growth opportunities. Two popular credentials in Colorado’s behavioral health space – the Qualified Behavioral […]
Continue ReadingThe Provider Reception
The Provider Reception About Established in 2022, The Provider Reception is an annual event hosted by COPA for Colorado behavioral health and substance use providers to connect and work to create a more equitable system in the state. The Provider Awards The Provider Awards are a big part of the […]
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