Help Change Lives If you have a serious pressing concern, a difficult decision to make, or just need someone to talk with, one of your options for receiving support is a Peer Counselor (PC).
These dedicated and well trained PCs are available for in-person visits on Mondays 6-9 p.m., Wednesdays 6-9 p.m., Thursdays 6-9 p.m. and Sundays 3-6 p.m. You can see bios of our amazing PCs and schedule an appointment. Also the PCs are available to provide outreach programming for your club/organization. If you have questions about the PC program, please email them at peercoun@hamilton.edu.
What are Peer Counselors?
PCs are a group of trained students supported by the Counseling Center who are here to provide additional resources to our students as they navigate difficult decisions, points of crisis or everyday aspects of student life. PCs work cooperatively with the campus to respond to student needs, promote student safety and personal wellness, meet individually with students to discuss any emergent concerns and hold events that cater to student wellness and stress reduction. They seek to raise awareness, provide education and serve as a resource to other students on a wide variety of health issues including: stress management, social skills, depression, anxiety, healthy relationships, safe sexual relationships, alcohol, drugs, eating/weight concerns and risk of suicide. Read Testimonials and follow us on Instagram.
How do I connect with a Peer Counselor?
There are several ways to connect with a peer counselor! The easiest is to schedule an appointment online. You can also email them at peercoun@hamilton.edu. We have a well trained and skilled group of peer counselors waiting to help.
Outreach Programming
The Peer Counseling Program is dedicated to improving the overall well-being and resiliency of our fellow students on the Hill. One of the ways we serve the campus community is through our outreach programming. Upon request, the PC program offers presentations and workshops that address important topics, such as Self-Care and Mindfulness, Sleep Hygiene, and Suicide Gatekeeper Training. If you are interested in a program or workshop for your organization/club, please fill out the Outreach Program Request Form.
Interested in becoming a Peer Counselor?
The Hamilton College Peer Counseling program is now recruiting a new training class for the Fall 2020-Spring 2021 year in Spring 2020 semester.
Being a Peer Counselor can provide valuable experience for your graduate school resume; specialized training in counseling techniques, crisis management, leadership and human relations; and a unique opportunity to help your fellow students. Those who would be a good fit for the program are: strong leaders on campus, skilled in listening and providing compassionate support to others, enthusiastic about designing and facilitating programs for the campus community and work effectively within a collaborative team environment.
Submit application online by February 28, 2020 for full consideration. Also, one letter of recommendation needs to be sent to Dennis LaLonde (dglalond@hamilton.edu). For more information about the PC role, please download the info packet.
Dennis is a staff counselor in the Counseling Center and is the Program Coordinator for the Peer Counselors. Dennis’ years of experience in college mental heath settings are an invaluable resource for trainees, and he is excited to work with our amazing group of counselors.
Hama is a staff psychologist/Practicum Training Coordinator in the Counseling Center. He is very excited to help supervise our excellent Peer Counselors!
Sarah is a 2016 graduate who majored in comparative literature. After speaking with peers as well as researching equivalent programs at other colleges and universities, Sarah, in collaboration with the Counseling Center, created a program uniquely suited to the diverse needs of the Hamilton student body. She played on the rugby team and was a member of the Hamilton College Orchestra during her time on campus.
A member of the first Peer Counseling class, Isabel worked with our staff counselors to create the training manual. She received an Emerson grant to research Peer Counseling at other schools and universities, co-write the manual, and help plan training and other aspects of the program. Isabel was a Psychology and Creative Writing double major interested in increasing the accessibility of mental health services.
Call 315-859-4340 and press option 2 to speak with a counselor 24/7/365
If you want off-campus help, call 1-800-273-TALK or text “START” to 741-741
