T.O.T.E.M.H. LLC
Learning Center
Welcome to TOTEMH Learning Center!
Our goal is very simple but profound: to empower every service provider with the complete, accurate, and practical knowledge they need to become the most knowledgeable providers they can be.
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Think of the impact: if only 10 providers at one agency have the right information, we can only hope to reach a limited number of clients. But if ALL providers have access to this knowledge, they will be better equipped to help their clients on a much larger scale, regardless of where they work. This should be the common goal of all agencies and providers.
Yet, in my career, I have noticed a concerning pattern: a reluctance to share. When agencies or providers hoard knowledge to be the "only" one with the answers, the only people it potentially helps is the agency itself. This is a selfish approach that ultimately fails the client.
We are supposed to be helping the client.
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That’s why at TOTEMH Learning Center, we want to change this. We are moving into an era of collaboration where all providers are knowledgeable and equipped. The entire point of community-based services is to teach and support, giving individuals the tools to become independent.
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However, we often see clients spinning their wheels, making bare minimum progress on the same two goals for years. We as humans have more than two things to work on throughout our lives! It's okay - and necessary - to help clients complete their first set of goals and then move on to others. We should have a goal of graduating clients from services, which means we have successfully helped them gain the skills to tackle future issues on their own.
This sounds much better and more fulfilling than having a client in services for years.
There is no shortage of people who need help. When we truly help someone, they will tell their friends, family, and community that ________ service helped them get where they are. This brings more people forward for help.
We are opting to give everyone all of the information. This is how we change the narrative.
All individuals who complete training at TOTEMH Learning Center will have access to every resource they need to become knowledgeable, competent providers who will effectively serve and, ultimately, graduate their client base.
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"Be the change you wish to see in the world."
- Mahatma Gandhi
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Courses:
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Peer Support
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Certified Peer Support Specialists are individuals with lived experience of recovering from mental health and/or substance use disorders who provide support to others through their own recovery process. They offer hope, encouragement, and practical guidance to individuals, families, and communities. By sharing their own journeys, these specialists help others identify and achieve their recovery goals, providing emotional support, fostering connection to a community of peers, and offering information on accessing resources.

Peer Support Course Agenda:​
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Motivation and empowerment.
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The stages of recovery and the role peers play within it.
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The state behavioral health system and the role peers play within it.
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Advocacy for recovery programs and for the peers they serve.
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The practice of recovery values: authenticity, self-determination, diversity, and inclusion,
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How to tell your recovery story and use your story to help others.
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Ethics
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The awareness of risk factors in participants' behaviors and the ability to access appropriate services.
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The use of interpersonal and professional communication skills;
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Stages of change;
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Workplace dynamics and processes;
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The Certified Peer Support Specialist's roles and duties on the job;
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Relationship building;
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Family dynamics;
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The effects of trauma and the use of a trauma-informed approach;
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Wellness and natural supports;
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Boundaries and self-care;
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Cultural sensitivity;
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Recovery plans; and
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Local, state, and national resources.
​​Family Support
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Family Support is a service where parents and caregivers of a child (0-17) with mental health challenges can connect with a Certified Family Support Partner (CFSP). A CFSP is a fellow caregiver who uses their own lived experience to provide peer-to-peer support. They offer encouragement, authentic understanding, and guidance to accurate resources, helping other families navigate the road to recovery.

Family Support Course Agenda:
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Overview of mental illness and substance use disorders and their effects on the brain;
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Advocacy skills used in multiple systems (children's behavioral health system, education and special education system, child welfare system, and juvenile court system);
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Ethics;
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The awareness of risk factors in participants' behaviors and the ability to access appropriate services.
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The use of interpersonal and professional communication skills;
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Stages of change;
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Motivation and empowerment;
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Parenting special needs children and family dynamics;
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The recovery process.
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The effects of trauma and the use of a trauma-informed approach;
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Wellness and natural supports;
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1. Family-centered planning;
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Boundaries and self-care;
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Cultural sensitivity;
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The children's mental health system.
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How to tell your story and use your story to help others;
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The child and family team and how to be a team player;
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Workplace dynamics and process
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The Certified Family Support Partner's role and duties on the job;
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Relationship building;
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Recovery plans; and
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Local, state, and national resources.
IDAPA Rules:​ Certification of Peer & Family Support Specialists
Purpose: To establish minimum standards for certifying Peer Support Specialists and Family Support Partners in Idaho.
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Who They Are:
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Peer Support Specialist:
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An individual in recovery from a mental health and/or substance use disorder who uses their lived experience to assist others in recovery.
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Family Support Partner:
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A parent/caregiver with lived experience raising a child with a behavioral health disorder who supports other families.
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Key Requirements for Certification:
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Be at least 18 years old.
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Have a high school diploma or GED.
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Complete 40 hours of approved training in specific competency areas.
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Document lived experience (1+ years) and self-identify as having it.
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Complete supervised work/volunteer hours (100-200 hours, plus 20 supervised).
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Adhere to a strict Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.
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Certification Details:
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Full Certification:
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Valid for one year.
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Six-Month Certification:
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For applicants who have completed training but lack required experience hours.
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Renewal:
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Requires 10 hours of continuing education annually, including 1 hour of ethics.
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Certification
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The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Division of Behavioral Health, handles certification, complaints, and enforcement, which can include denial, suspension, or revocation of certification for violations.
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https://drive.google.com/file/d/16VR9zuSOdRwK9J7fXVddh3dIHOxz2CO2/view?usp=share_link
Course Costs
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If you are a TOTEMH employee, your certification is no cost to you!​​
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Unfortunately, TOTEMH Learning Center is not currently providing out-of-pocket courses for outside parties! We are in the process of becoming a proprietary school & will be able to accept all future providers soon!
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If you're interested in joining our Team, please go to the Provider Application!​
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For any questions, you can contact Misty, the creator and Lead of the Learning Center!