How to build a peer support network in colleges

Introduction

In the ever-evolving landscape of higher education, addressing the growing mental health concerns of students has become a paramount issue. The past few years have witnessed a significant surge in student stress, anxiety, and loneliness, with the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbating these issues. Amidst this crisis, peer support networks have emerged as a promising solution to provide students with the emotional and practical support they need to thrive academically and personally. In this article, we delve into the world of peer support networks in colleges, exploring their effectiveness, implementation strategies, and the future of these initiatives.

The Growing Demand for Peer Support

Research from the Born This Way Foundation highlights a significant trend: a majority of college students not only use peer support but also want it for their mental health. This demand is driven by the reality that college students often turn to their peers first when experiencing mental health issues. Nearly half of all students have reported that disruptions caused by the pandemic make them more likely to seek out peer counseling.

Why Peer Support?

So, why are peer support networks so crucial in the college setting? Here are several key reasons:

• Accessibility: Peer support is often more accessible than traditional mental health services. Students may feel more comfortable confiding in their classmates or roommates, especially when it comes to less severe issues like stress or anxiety.
• Empathy and Relatability: Peer counselors can better understand the challenges their peers face, making them more relatable and empathetic. This empathy is crucial for building trust and effective support networks.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Peer support programs operate at lower costs compared to traditional clinical services. This makes them an attractive option for colleges looking to expand their mental health resources without significantly increasing their budgets.

Implementing Peer Support Programs

Implementing an effective peer support network involves several key steps:

1. Getting Student Buy-In

To ensure the success of a peer support program, it is essential to get student buy-in. This can be achieved by providing certification or training to a small group of students first, creating ambassadors who can lead the rollout and implementation of the program.

2. Comprehensive Training

Comprehensive training is critical for peer counselors. This should include topics like risk assessment, listening skills, and culturally competent counseling. Hamilton College, for instance, selects 10 to 12 student peer counselors each year who undergo structured training before meeting with students one-on-one.

3. Diverse and Representative Programs

Peer support programs should be diverse and representative of the student body. Students from historically marginalized groups, such as Black, transgender, and first-generation students, have expressed a strong desire to find peer counselors with similar identities or life experiences. This ensures that support is more culturally responsive and accessible to all students.

4. Multi-Modal Support

Providing a range of support options can enhance student feelings of belongingness and cater to different needs and preferences. The University of Michigan’s peer support structure includes both one-on-one peer counseling and the Wolverine Support Network, a student-led organization that facilitates weekly group meetings for students.

Success Stories

Several colleges have successfully implemented peer support networks, showcasing their effectiveness in addressing mental health concerns.

Hamilton College

Hamilton College's peer support program features structured training mixed with ongoing support from professionals. Student peer counselors meet with students one-on-one to discuss concerns like stress or anxiety and help determine appropriate next steps. This approach has been particularly effective in alleviating concerns about relying on peers for mental health support.

University of Michigan

The University of Michigan offers a range of peer support options, from one-on-one peer counseling to the Wolverine Support Network. The latter allows students to connect with peers in a group setting, enhancing feelings of belongingness and community. This multi-modal approach has been well-received by students, with over 470 members in the Wolverine Support Network in 2019. The program has also seen significant improvements in students' ability to empathize and open up to others.

University of Maryland College Park

The University of Maryland College Park partners with Lean on Me to provide a scalable, anonymous support option for students. This partnership addresses concerns about stigma and accessibility, offering students support from actual peers who can text back and direct them to appropriate campus resources when needed.

Challenges and Future Directions

While peer support networks have shown promise, there are challenges that need to be addressed to ensure their sustainability and effectiveness:

• Training and Preparation: Ensuring that peer counselors are adequately trained and prepared to handle mental health crises is crucial. This includes addressing concerns about liability and boundaries.
• Cultural Competence: Providing training that is culturally competent and responsive to diverse student needs is essential. This helps in building trust and ensuring that support is accessible to all students.
• Scaling Up: As the demand for peer support continues to grow, it is essential to develop scalable models that can be implemented across various college campuses. This involves investing in the future of college peer support and the broader mental health ecosystem.

Conclusion

Building a peer support network in colleges is not just about providing an alternative to traditional mental health services; it's about creating a culture of kindness and support that enhances student well-being and success. By leveraging student buy-in, comprehensive training, and diverse programming, colleges can establish effective peer support networks that address the unique needs of their student body. As we move forward, it is crucial to address the challenges and ensure that these programs are scaled up to meet the growing demand for mental health support.

References

1. EAB - How 3 Colleges and Universities are Leveraging Peer Support EAB's Peer-to-Peer Support Toolkit and How to Scale Peer-to-Peer Support Programs to Close Equity Gaps presentation.

2. Inside Higher Ed - How to Build a Peer Support Network in Colleges Many college students want to help their peers with their mental health issues, but not all feel confident doing that work.

3. Mental Health America - Peer Support in College Mental Health Initiatives This paper shares the results of a survey of 85 participants and leaders in college mental health peer support programs in addition to five one-hour interviews.

4. Mental Health America - Peer Support in College Mental Health Initiatives A national shortage of mental health professionals has exacerbated the need for peer support models, which offer a promising, evidence-based approach to increasing access to support.

5. TimelyCare - The Impact of Peer-to-Peer Support on Campus Health Peer-to-peer models expand the network of student support simply because of the number of peers available to help one another.