PeerCare Mental Health Support

When facing a stressful situation, students are more likely to first turn to a peer to seek support.

• Peer supporters get what you're going through
  They are students just like you and understand the stress of exams, relationships, identity struggles, friend drama, and everything in between.
• Sometimes it’s easier to open up to someone your own age
  Peer conversations often feel more relaxed, relatable, and non-judgmental.
• It’s free and no pressure
  Whether it’s your first time reaching out or you’ve been struggling for a while, it’s a safe space.
• Sometimes, you just need someone to talk to
  You don’t need a “big reason” to come to PeerCare. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, lonely, or just need to vent, peer supporters are here.

Call Counseling Services at (630) 942-3330 and ask to meet with a Peer Supporter.

At COD, we believe in the power of peers supporting peers. If you're a student with a compassionate heart and a desire to uplift others, we invite you to become a peer mental health supporter! Being a Peer Supporter isn’t just about helping others, it’s also a powerful way to grow, connect and make a difference.

What Peer Supporters Do

• Listen Actively
  • Be an understanding ear for students facing everyday challenges or moments of distress.
• Offer Support
  • Provide encouragement and hope.
• Share Resources
  • Guide students to the mental health and wellness services available on campus and in our community.
• Foster Connection
  • Be part of a team dedicated to fostering a culture of openness and support around mental health.
  • Offer an opportunity to interact and join with another human being when they’re feeling alone.

Become a Peer Supporter

Benefits of Being a Peer Supporter

• Make a real impact
  • You’ll be there for students when they need someone most. Whether it’s stress, loneliness, or just needing to talk, your support can help someone feel seen, heard, and not alone. You will be contributing to a healthier, more supportive campus community.
• Grow personally and professionally (build your resume)
  • You’ll develop skills that matter, like active listening, empathy, and communication. These are valuable in any career, especially in psychology, education, healthcare, and leadership and can help prepare you for future opportunities.
• Receive training in providing mental health support
  • Peer supporters receive comprehensive training, ongoing guidance, and support from campus professionals. No experience is needed, just compassion and a willingness to learn.
• Receive a monetary stipend
  • Peer Supporters receive a monetary stipend from the college each semester.

Peer Supporter Requirements

• Be a returning COD student who has completed a minimum of 12 credits
• Be enrolled for the academic year
• Have a GPA of at least 2.0
• Can commit to 3 hours/week, on average
• Can attend a required, one-day training that typically occurs in the late summer/early fall
• Be caring, approachable, and responsible, and eager to learn

PeerCare is all about peer-to-peer support. You’ll talk to a fellow student who understands what college life is like, who can listen, relate, and help you feel less alone. Campus counseling, on the other hand, is provided by COD counselors, who can help with personal and mental health issues and who have training in professional counseling. Both can be helpful, depending on what you need. If you're unsure where to start, PeerCare is a great first step.

Peer Supporters have undergone training by COD Counseling Services in how to provide mental health support as a peer. They are active listeners who want to help their fellow students. They are not licensed counselors or mental health professionals.

One-on-one peer support meetings are not meant to be regular, ongoing meetings. They are meant to be a one-time, as needed service when you have a concern you want to talk about.

PeerCare is a safe and private space and we take that seriously. While peer supporters are not licensed counselors, they are trained to treat your conversations with respect, care, and discretion.

That means:

• They don’t share what you say with others, unless there’s a serious concern about your safety.
• They don’t take notes or keep records like therapists do.
• You can share as much or as little as you’re comfortable with — no pressure, no judgment.
• However, since Peer Supporters not licensed mental health professionals, there are some limits to confidentiality. If a peer supporter believes you're at risk of harm (to yourself or others), they may need to involve a campus counselor or trusted professional to help keep you safe.
• They will do their best to talk with you first and explain any next steps.

Peer Supporters may provide referrals to COD Counseling Services or other mental health resources available to COD students.