Individual Peer Counseling (IPC) is designed to offer a new way to meet the needs of students across the University of Michigan. We are here to support student mental health and give students a place to vent. Peer counselors are trained in active listening by professional staff at CAPS. The IPC program connects students with someone of a similar age, interest, and background who can serve as a resource or simply someone to “rant” to. While Peer Counselors will keep all information private, IPC is not a substitute for confidential therapy provided by a licensed mental health CAPS staff member.
How to schedule a meeting with a Peer Counselor?
Students interested in receiving peer counseling can fill out a form or be referred by a CAPS counselor to one of our Peer Counselors.
What peer counselors can offer
We are U-M undergraduate and graduate students who can relate to the struggles of being a student here. Peer Counselors are trained by CAPS staff to support students in a variety of areas: loneliness and making friends, adjustment and transition to U-M, the state of Michigan, or the United States as a whole, learning about campus resources, managing academic and life stress, and more. Our primary goal is to listen to and support you and provide resources where needed.
Benefits of peer counseling
Peer counseling can offer students a relaxed and laid-back place to vent and find support. We can listen and relate, as well as give you a judgment-free space to talk out your thoughts. Students have reported appreciating having someone outside of their immediate circle to talk to, as well as someone who is able to support them in working through personal challenges.
Meet the Peer Counselors
We invite you to check out the IPC Team below. All Peer Counselors have gone through training and participate in weekly consultation facilitated by CAPS Staff.
