Peer Counseling

The Mental Health Service at HUHS, in conjunction with the Bureau of Study Counsel, oversees the training and supervision of five undergraduate peer counseling groups offering anonymous, confidential hotline and drop-in counseling throughout the academic year.

CONTACT
Thayer Basement
617-495-8111
Hotline and drop-in hours: Thu.-Sun., 8 pm-1 am
www.digitas.harvard.edu/~contact/

Contact is staffed by Harvard undergraduates who have been trained as peer counselors. The Contact staff includes women and men of various sexual orientations, racial backgrounds, and religious affiliations-a diverse group prepared to assist a diverse community. All Contact staff members share a deep concern about issues of sexual orientation, sex, sexuality and relationships and are interested in discussion of these topics. They also maintain a rapidly growing library of books, pamphlets, news clippings, and magazines. Drops-ins are welcome to peruse materials in the office or to borrow them from the library.

Eating Concerns Hotline and Outreach (ECHO)
Quincy House, F-Entry Basement
617-495-8200
Hotline hours: Nightly, 8 pm-8 am Drop-in hours: Sun.-Thu., 8-11 pm
hcs.harvard.edu/~echo/

ECHO is a peer counseling group that addresses concerns surrounding eating, body image, and self-esteem. ECHO staff members are undergraduates trained to provide non-judgmental support, both for those dealing with these issues and those who are concerned about a friend, roommate, significant other or family member. In addition to staffing drop-in hours and a hotline, ECHO staff members plan and produce outreach events for the Harvard community.

PCC
HUHS 5th floor 617-495-7561
Hotline and drop-in hours: Nightly, 7 pm-midnight
hcs.harvard.edu/~pcc/

Peer Contraceptive Counselors is a group of undergraduate men and women who counsel Harvard students about contraceptives, sexually transmitted infections, relationships, and sexuality.

RESPONSE
Lowell House Basement E 13
617-495-9600
Hotline hours: Nightly, 9 pm-8 am
Drop-in hours: Sun.-Thu., 9 pm-midnight
For 24-hour assistance: contact the Office of Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (OSAPR) 24-hour Hotline at 617-495-9100.
www.hcs.harvard.edu/response/

Response is a group of undergraduate women professionally trained to provide peer counseling on issues of rape, abuse, intimate violence, psychological and physical harassment, and relationships. Response staff members provide non-judgmental support, honest answers, and information, and are aware of resources on and off-campus for individuals in need of medical, legal, and/or psychological support. Response also provides outreach opportunities to the Harvard student community during the academic year.

ROOM 13
Thayer Hall Basement
617-495-4969
Hotline and Drop-in hours: Nightly, 7 pm-7 am
hcs.harvard.edu/~room13/

Room 13 is the oldest peer counseling group at Harvard. It is staffed by a group of men and women; each night a male and a female peer counselor are available to listen and offer support on any issue affecting students. Room 13 staff members offer a supportive, sympathetic ear, maintain strict confidentiality, and welcome discussion of any concerns without criticizing or passing judgment. Room 13 staff members don't claim to have any easy answers, but understand that sometimes it helps just to talk to someone who is attentive and truly cares about what one has to say.

Special Support

Life Raft
Memorial Church Basement
617-495-2042
Wed., 12-2 pm
bgilmore@huhs.harvard.edu

Life Raft is a weekly bereavement support group for Harvard students, faculty and staff facing life-threatening illness or death, or the death of a loved one; it is also available to their family members and friends. This free, confidential service offers weekly drop-in meetings and is open to all members of the Harvard/Radcliffe community, including alumni, retirees, and former staff and faculty. The Life Raft group includes members of many ages from all areas of the community; discussions are ongoing and there is no obligation for continuous attendance. Students may contact the Life Raft coordinator by phone or email, and are welcome to attend at any time.