Reach Out; We’re Here: Peer Counselors at Sac State

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Student Health and Counseling Services announce that Peer Counselors will be joining the campus counseling community this fall semester. The Peer Counselors program was initially launched in the Spring of 2020 in response to an increased need for mental health support on campus. As peers and members of the student body, Peer Counselors provide students in need a unique opportunity to find relief, healing, and acceptance.

“Life is harder than ever, and it is important for students to know they are not alone,” says Peer Counseling Coordinator, Katelyn Sandoval. A Spring 2020 Active Minds survey identified that two-thirds of students reported an increase in supporting others with their mental illness. Not all students feel comfortable speaking to professionals and, as such, Peer Counselors are uniquely able to support their fellow Hornets, helping to break stigmas associated with mental health, bringing attention to resources on campus, as well as providing timely and friendly conversations to students simply needing to talk.

The Fall team of Peer Counselors represents a diverse selection of students coming from a wide-range of academic, cultural, and social backgrounds. Sandoval believes that, “We as people have the capacity to help other people and it is crucial that we find ways to connect, virtually or in person. Simply talking about our feelings and having someone available to listen, can help provide relief and healing.”

Peer Counseling is a confidential and judgment-free space where students can come and chat with a peer about anything and everything. Peer counselors are not licensed professionals but are trained in basic counseling skills and suicide intervention.

Appointments are held virtually and can be booked from 7 days to 30 minutes in advance. Students looking to talk to a Peer Counselor can find out more information or book an appointment below.

Students Make Appointments Here

If you would like to learn more about Peer Counselors, contact Katelyn Sandoval at sandovalk@csus.edu
or 916-278-3579 with questions.

By Alex Nichols, Marketing & Communications Specialist