Penn State Abington's Peer Counseling Program was developed through a special partnership of Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) and the Rehabilitation & Human Services (RHS) major. The Peer Counseling Program provides Penn State Abington students with access to peer-based confidential support for navigating life transitions, decision-making processes, relationships, and other challenges of life as a student.
Peer Counselors are a diverse group of Abington juniors and seniors who are trained in basic counseling skills and receive ongoing supervision from CAPS licensed mental health professionals. During their tenure, Peer Counselors attend an advanced 3-credit RHS seminar as well as a free five-hour advanced training led by a licensed therapist who specializes in individual and group clinical supervision.
Peer Counselors offer Abington students a safe and inclusive space to discuss wide ranging concerns in support of their greater wellbeing and personal growth.
Common concerns discussed with Peer Counselor may include:
- Stress
- Feelings of anxiety
- Feelings of depression
- College adjustment
- Relationship and communication difficulties (including those with family, friends, romantic partners, roommates, classmates, and others)
- Identity development
- Connection and sense-of-belonging
Interested in seeing a Peer Counselor for support? Email CAPS at [email protected] and we will set you up for a screening with one of the CAPS therapists. Our Peer Counselors would love to meet you!
Meet The CAPS Peer Counseling Team
Interested in becoming a Peer Counselor? Michael Lavetsky, RHS Program Chair, will work with you and your faculty to secure a nomination from one or more of your professors. Email [email protected] for more information.
CAPS Peer Counselor Program is not equipped to provide psychotherapy/clinical counseling for addressing severe or long-term mental health disorders or emergency mental health crises.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a life-threatening crisis, call 911 or Penn State’s Crisis Line at 1-877-229-6400.
