Project Return Peer Support Network

What Project Return Peer Support Network does

Project Return Peer Support Network (PRPSN) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit mental health organization headquartered in Huntington Park, California, founded in 1979/1980 as California's first peer-run mental health program. All staff are required to have lived experience with mental health challenges, and the organization delivers services exclusively through a peer-support model rather than a clinical hierarchy. It serves individuals with mental health conditions, justice-involved individuals reentering society, Spanish-speaking communities in Southeast Los Angeles (Service Area 7), transitional age youth, and individuals in psychiatric crisis. Direct services include two peer respite houses (Hacienda of Hope in Long Beach and Ubuntu House in South Los Angeles, opened 2026), a 365-day Warm Line (888-448-9777), a network of 125+ weekly peer support groups across Los Angeles County, the PEERS re-entry program (serving 275 individuals annually with a 90% arrest-avoidance rate), and culturally responsive Spanish-language programs (El Centrito de Apoyo and Un Paso Mas). The technology stack is intentionally light: services are delivered in person at community sites, in board-and-care facilities, inside CDCR correctional institutions, and online through a third-party platform called HeyPeers; no proprietary AI or software platform is identified.

The organization's business model is a hybrid of government contract revenue, training program fees, and philanthropic donations. The anchor revenue stream is contracts with the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, supplemented by California state grants including the California Community Reinvestment Grant (funding PEERS since June 2022) and CALMHSA-approved Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Training delivery. Secondary revenue is generated through tiered WRAP training seminars priced at $399, $1,099, and $1,299, and through CAPS Academy workforce training delivered jointly with Mental Health America of California. A development office solicits tax-deductible donations, employer matching gifts, and planned giving, with major philanthropic relationships including Cedars-Sinai (funding a TAY-focused CAPS cohort) and the California Community Foundation (funding PEERS). Distribution is multi-channel: direct community outreach, partner referrals from 20+ community organizations, participation in health fairs and local events, an active Instagram presence, an email newsletter, and the HeyPeers online platform. End services are free to individuals; the organization has 101-250 employees and operates across Los Angeles County with statewide reach for training.

Name

Project Return Peer Support Network

Legal name

Project Return Peer Support Network

Website

https://prpsn.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1980

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Project Return Peer Support Network is a Los Angeles County 501(c)(3) nonprofit, founded 1980, that delivers peer-run mental health support, respite, re-entry, and workforce training programs staffed entirely by individuals with lived experience of mental health challenges.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Mental Health Peer Support Services

NAICS

Other Individual and Family Services (624190), Individual and Family Services (6241)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Health Services (8000)

akta.pro primary industry

Peer Support, Recovery Coaching & Sober Living Services (HLAFACAN)

akta.pro secondary industries

Mental Health & Crisis Support Services (BPAGACAD), Reentry & Justice-Involved Support Services (BPAGAEAN)

Keywords

• Peer mental health support
• Wellness recovery planning
• Peer respite services
• Re-entry support programs
• Peer specialist training

Headquarters

HQ city

Huntington Park

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Government Contracts & Grants: PRPSN operates as a contract provider for Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, receiving funding from California Community Reinvestment Grant and other government sources to provide peer support services, workforce training, and re-entry programs.
2. Training Program Fees: Revenue generated from WRAP seminars and CAPS Academy training programs including Virtual Seminar I ($399), WRAP Seminar II ($1,099), and WRAP Seminar III ($1,299).
3. Donations & Charitable Contributions: Tax-deductible donations from individuals, employers with matching gift programs, and estate planned giving support operations and program sustainability.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Project Return Peer Support Network delivers peer-led mental health support services to individuals living with mental health challenges, staffed entirely by people with lived experience of recovery. Services include peer respite homes (Hacienda of Hope, Ubuntu House), a non-crisis Warm Line, re-entry support for justice-involved individuals (PEERS), Spanish-language programs (El Centrito de Apoyo, Un Paso Mas), a network of 125+ peer support groups, and Medi-Cal peer support specialist training (CAPS Academy, WRAP seminars).

Product overview

Project Return Peer Support Network (PRPSN) is a mental health nonprofit that operates as a platform of peer support services rather than a single technology product. The organization offers a comprehensive suite of programs including peer respite homes (Hacienda of Hope and Ubuntu House), a non-crisis warm line (888-448-9777), re-entry support (PEERS), Spanish language programs (El Centrito de Apoyo and Un Paso Mas), a network of over 125 in-person and online peer support groups, and workforce development training (CAPS Academy and WRAP). PRPSN also operates an online platform through HeyPeers for virtual support groups. These services are interconnected through shared values of lived-experience peer support, with programs often cross-referring participants to different services based on their recovery journey.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• El Centrito de Apoyo: Spanish language center providing peer support, mental health education, and community wellness services for monolingual Spanish speakers in Huntington Park.
• Un Paso Mas
• Hacienda of Hope
• PEERS
• Warm Line
• CAPS Academy
• WRAP
• HeyPeers
• Ubuntu House

Products and services

• Hacienda of Hope Peer-run respite house in Long Beach, California offering short-term stays (typically 3–7 days) as a free, harm-reduction-based, non-clinical alternative to emergency hospitalization. Two-story home with men's and women's wings and ADA-compliant genderless rooms, accommodating up to 10 guests at a time.
• Ubuntu House Peer respite house in South Los Angeles opened in 2026, expanding PRPSN's respite capacity. Ubuntu translates to 'I am because we are,' reflecting the peer support philosophy.
• Warm Line Non-crisis toll-free telephone support line (888-448-9777) staffed by peers who provide a listening ear, available in English and Spanish. Operating hours are Monday–Friday 2:30–10:00 PM PST and Saturday/Sunday 10AM–6PM PST.
• PEERS (Peer Education, Empowerment and Re-entry Services) Peer-led program providing mental health support, systems navigation, and re-entry guidance for individuals impacted by incarceration. Led by credible messengers with lived experience, it serves approximately 275 justice-involved individuals annually with a 90% recidivism-avoidance rate.
• El Centrito de Apoyo Spanish-language community wellness hub in Huntington Park serving monolingual Spanish speakers with daily mental health topic groups, recreational groups (arts, music, exercise), and one-on-one housing and employment support.
• Un Paso Mas Community outreach program serving Spanish-speaking individuals in Southeast Los Angeles through schools, parks, and churches, offering 16 weekly support groups, quarterly workshops, and health fair participation.
• Community Integration Project (CIP) Program expanding peer support and support groups for individuals in more restrictive living environments (IMDs, board and cares, hospitals, and jails) by implementing peer support clubs and providing peer mentors who help with housing options, life skills, and community connections.
• Peer Support Groups Network Network of over 125 peer-led support groups meeting weekly throughout Los Angeles County and online, in locations including inpatient settings, board and care homes, shelters, motels, outpatient clinics, and community spaces.
• WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan) Training Evidence-based wellness planning methodology providing tools for creating and maintaining wellness, identifying stressors, developing daily plans, and crisis planning. PRPSN is a designated WRAP Center of Distinction. Training is offered as Virtual Seminar I ($399 plus $30–$40 materials), Seminar II ($1,099), and Seminar III ($1,299).
• CAPS Academy (California Association of Peer Supporters Academy) Statewide Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Training program delivered jointly by PRPSN and Mental Health America of California, approved by CALMHSA. Includes 80 hours of classroom instruction covering recovery principles, crisis planning, group facilitation, and peer support competencies.
• Online Peer Support Groups via HeyPeers Online platform delivery of over 50 virtual peer support groups monthly through the HeyPeers platform (originally Support Groups Central), including discussion groups, activity-based groups (art, yoga), and socialization groups.

Quantifiable outcome

• 90% of PEERS participants avoided new arrests
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and supporting.

• Mental Health America of CaliforniacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint venture partner with PRPSN in the California Association of Peer Supporters (CAPS) Academy, providing statewide Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Training approved by CALMHSA.
• Los Angeles County Department of Mental HealthcoreOthersPrimary government funder and contract provider relationship. PRPSN is recognized as its own legal entity and expanded its breadth and depth as a contract provider for LA County DMH.
• CALMHSAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCalifornia Mental Health Services Authority. CAPS Academy collaboration for Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Training is an approved vendor under the umbrella of PRPSN.
• Hey Peers!coreTechnology or IntegrationOnline platform provider for peer support groups. PRPSN offers over 50 support groups monthly through the HeyPeers platform, which also hosts the organizational profile and group listings.
• California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPRPSN delivers in-person CAPS training inside CDCR facilities, including the first graduating cohort at Chino Hills, training incarcerated individuals to become Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialists.
• Los Angeles Regional Reentry PartnershipmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional collaborative focused on reentry services that PRPSN partners with for the PEERS program serving justice-involved individuals.
• Friends OutsidemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership supporting individuals and families affected by incarceration through peer support and reentry services.
• Century Villages at CabrillomajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHousing and supportive services organization providing continuum of care that aligns with PRPSN's community integration and housing support services.
• Mass LiberationsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization focused on ending mass incarceration that collaborates with PRPSN on reentry and advocacy efforts.
• Tri City Mental HealthsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerMental health services provider in the region that partners with PRPSN for coordinated care and service delivery.
• Amity FoundationsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity-based organization providing services across California; listed as training partner for workforce development programs.
• CD9 CoalitionsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition working on community issues in the CD9 area that partners with PRPSN for local mental health initiatives.
• Avalon Carver Community CentersupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity center providing services to underserved populations; partners with PRPSN for community outreach and support services.
• Community CoalitionsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity organization focused on social justice and health equity that collaborates with PRPSN on community wellness initiatives.
• Department of Health Care Access and InformationsupportingOthersCalifornia state agency that supports workforce development in healthcare, including peer support specialist training programs.
• California Association of Social Rehabilitation AgenciessupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerStatewide association of social rehabilitation agencies that PRPSN partners with for professional development and advocacy.
• CAMHPROsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCalifornia Mental Health Promotion organization that works with PRPSN on advocacy and awareness initiatives.
• Prism WaysupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization providing services to individuals with mental health challenges that partners with PRPSN for coordinated care.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Alma Family Services: Los Angeles-based Latino-focused mental health and substance use services provider. Closest geographic peer serving similar Spanish-speaking and underserved populations in LA County.
• Copeland Center for Wellness and Recovery: Originator of the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) methodology that PRPSN is certified to teach as a Center of Distinction. Closest direct peer in the evidence-based peer wellness and recovery training space.
• Felton Institute: San Francisco-based behavioral health nonprofit offering peer-led mental health programs, early psychosis intervention, and family services across the Bay Area. Comparable in mission and California county-contract operating model.
• Mental Health America of California: Statewide mental health advocacy and service organization that co-delivers PRPSN's CAPS Academy for Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Training. Operates the same California peer support ecosystem and shares joint venture responsibilities with PRPSN.
• Connections California: California peer-run mental health organization providing peer support, warm lines, and self-help services similar to PRPSN's core programs, with overlapping LA County service area.

Broad incumbents

• Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA): National peer-led organization running support groups for people living with mood disorders. Operates at greater geographic scale than PRPSN and shares the peer-support group operating model, but focuses specifically on depression and bipolar populations.
• Telecare Corporation: Large behavioral health operator providing inpatient, outpatient, and community-based mental health services including peer support across California. Competes with PRPSN for county contracts at substantially greater scale and capitalization.
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Largest US grassroots mental health organization providing peer-led support groups, education, and advocacy. Operates at national scale with affiliate-based model; less direct service delivery than PRPSN but overlapping mission.
• Mental Health America: National mental health nonprofit under which PRPSN was originally founded as Project Return in 1980. Operates peer support and advocacy programs nationwide with significantly larger scale and brand recognition.

Emerging players

• The Kim Foundation: Nebraska-based mental health awareness and peer support organization focused on youth. Shares PRPSN's peer-led recovery philosophy at much smaller scale, indicating a partial-overlap emerging peer in the space.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/prpsn
• Xx.com/prpsnla

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles18 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Project Return Peer Support Network