Known as peer support specialists in Kentucky, the state requires peer recovery coaches to be certified before treating patients.
This specialist begins in recovery and is trained to mentor other individuals who experience mental health or addiction issues to overcome these struggles and achieve lifelong sobriety.
Caregivers and mental health agencies helping substance addicts and those with mental illnesses incorporate recovery coaches into their treatment.
Clients learn valuable lessons from recovery coaches with similar experiences.
If you want to become a professional recovery coach in Kentucky, keep reading to learn more!
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Steps to Become a Professional Recovery Coach in Kentucky
Professional and educational requirements are enforced by the Kentucky Department of Behavior Health, Developmental, and Intellectual Disabilities (DBHDID) organization.
Kentucky residents with a history of mental health disorders or substance abuse can qualify for state-approved training.
The steps to becoming a professional recovery coach in Kentucky include the following:
One: Earn a High School Diploma
The first step is earning a high school diploma, an essential requirement for all training programs.
Two: Complete Training
Those looking to move into this field must complete a 30-hour peer support course approved by the DBHDID.
This training gives candidates the knowledge and techniques to help and treat others with similar ailments.
Three: Pass an Oral and Written Examination
Following training completion, the state requires candidates to pass an oral and written examination to become certified.
This certification allows graduates to find employment in one of many facilities that need this assistance.
Four: Complete at Least Six Hours of Continuing Education
Kentucky recovery coach certification is only valid for a single year.
At the end of that year, coaches must complete six hours of relevant continuing education and renew it every 12 months to remain certified.
Continuing education in this field aims to learn new treatment techniques and concepts that can be applied to patients.
Schools in Kentucky
Recovery coaching is a significant eye-opener for those who have recovered from a mental health disorder or addiction, and it better allows coaches to understand the fundamental concepts and recovery stages.
The four state-approve providers of Kentucky recovery coach training include the following:
Mental Health America of Northern Kentucky
In addition to promoting mental health awareness and services in Kentucky, Mental Health America of Northern Kentucky offers online recovery coach classes that qualify students for certification.
This 40-hour, five-day virtual course is provided through Zoom.
Before entering the program, the institution requires candidates to answer several questions to assess their skills before being accepted.
Two recommendation letters from healthcare specialists or individuals involved in the student’s treatment are mandatory.
The training cost is $350, with several scholarships awarded to deserving participants.
New Vista Academy
Boasting multiple online programs of state-approved content, the New Vista Academy offers a five-day, 30-hour virtual training program for those that meet DBHDID criteria.
Applicants need to attach two reference letters to the application to be considered.
The organization also offers live interactive classes through Zoom, and to complete all training, students must arrive on time for all scheduled audio and video conferencing sessions.
Trainees must be $300 to attend classes at this academy, but the institution could sponsor some self-paying participants to help reduce the fees.
This offer is unavailable for those whose employer or other organization sponsors.
North Kentucky University 
With over 16,000 students, Northern Kentucky University offers a part-time recovery coach course distributed over seven weeks.
With over 45 hours of a state-approved curriculum, eligibility includes satisfying all state certificate prerequisites and demonstrating recovery progress.
To become certified after completing the program, students must score 70% or higher on the oral and written exams.
The Training Center
The Training Center offers multiple 30-hour options for Kentucky residents interested in becoming recovery coaches.
All option meets or exceeds DBHDID requirements and includes the following:
- Adult peer support specialist – the cost is $200 for registration, and all classes are held via Zoom.
- Family support specialist – only parents or family relatives who raise a child with addiction or mental health issues may qualify for this training.
- Youth peer support specialist – this course was developed for those between 18 and 35 who are currently in recovery and have received state-funded treatment. Candidates must be certified KFLA from a Department of Behavior Health-endorsed program. The training costs $250.
Recovery Coach Representative Schools in Kentucky – Summary Table
Top 4 Schools in Kentucky
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Mental Health America of Northern Kentucky | 1002 Monmouth Street, Newport, Kentucky 41071, United States |
| New Vista Academy | Brooklyn, NY 11226, United States |
| North Kentucky University | 1 Louie B Nunn Dr, Highland Heights, KY 41099, United States |
| The Training Center |
Salary
The median annual U.S. salary for a recovery coach is $34,300.
The pay ranges from $30,700 to $38,400.
Comparatively, the median yearly wage for a recovery coach in Kentucky is slightly lower at $32,300, with compensation ranging from $29,000 to $36,100.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Professional Recovery Coachs in Kentucky
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Lexington-Fayette | $32,198 |
| Louisville | $32,596 |
| Owensboro | $32,248 |
| Bowling Green | $31,117 |
| Covington | $33,578 |
| Hopkinsville | $30,903 |
| Frankfort | $31,391 |
| Henderson | $32,454 |
| Richmond | $31,883 |
| Waneta | $31,923 |
Regional Salary in Kentucky
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bowling Green, KY | 80 | - NA - | - NA - | - NA - | - NA - |
| Lexington-Fayette, KY | 330 | $95,240 | - NA - | $214,610 | $27,390 |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN | 740 | $62,510 | - NA - | $79,370 | $22,660 |
| Owensboro, KY | ** | $48,800 | - NA - | $82,050 | $31,020 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary responsibilities of a recovery coach in Kentucky?
Certified Kentucky recovery coaches must know the state’s care systems for those with mental health and substance abuse issues.
Also, coaches must have recovered from a psychiatric or addiction disorder.
A coach’s primary job is to share success stories with others to assist them with overcoming obstacles.
Other responsibilities include:
- Advocating for their interests during treatment plans.
- Disclosing your substance use or mental health stories to inspire recovery.
- Helping them become more responsible adults through seamless community re-integration.
- Helping them create recovery plans and achieve goals.
- Helping them navigate care support services.
- Inspiring others into independent living and self-advocacy.
- Representing patients in meetings when required.
- Serving as a role model.
Where do Kentucky recovery coaches work?
A Kentucky recovery coach can work in various community environments and institutions that offer recovery support, such as:
- Addiction/drug rehabilitation centers.
- Hospitals.
- Non-profit and faith-based institutions.
- Peer-run recovery locations.
- Recovery homes.
- Sover housing.
- The justice system.
What are the most rewarding benefits of becoming a certified Kentucky recovery coach?
Immense value is derived from the work of recovery coaches across Kentucky.
In return, these coaches receive immense career rewards, including:
- Better training to deal with illness.
- Empowerment.
- Extensive social support network access.
- Improved confidence and self-esteem in their abilities.
- Improved quality of life.
- Meaningful employment.
- Professional growth due to life-long learning and work experience.
- Self-healing and -discovery.
What skills are gained in Kentucky recovery coach training programs?
Students in these programs will develop skills such as best practices, communication, establishing goals, ethics, listening, managing negative self-talk, and problem-solving.
