CAPS Launches Peer2Peer Evening Warm Line to Expand Student Support
Campus Health's Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) has expanded its Peer Counseling program with the launch of a new Peer2Peer evening warm line, offering students free phone support during evenings and weekends. A warm line is a non-emergency phone line designed for check-ins, conversation, and connection. Staffed by trained peer counselors, the new Peer2Peer evening warm line gives U of A students a confidential, judgment-free space to talk with another student about what they’re experiencing right when they need it.
“Students are looking for support in the moment. Peer2Peer offers just that. It’s a great way for students to check in with someone who gets where they’re coming from and get a student’s perspective in a confidential and safe way,” said Dr. Leslie Ralph, Assistant Director at CAPS.
The warm line delivers meaningful support in a way that’s accessible to students with no appointment needed. When a student calls Peer2Peer, they are connected with a peer counselor specifically trained to provide phone-based support. Conversations may focus on a wide range of topics, including academics, stress, homesickness, relationships, financial concerns, alcohol use, or other challenges. Peer counselors can help students talk through what’s going on, explore coping and self-care strategies, and identify helpful campus resources when appropriate.
Students can call Peer2Peer at 520-621-0216 Mon-Thurs 6-10 pm, Fri-Sun 8 pm-12 am as often as they need, with no limit on the number of calls. After calling, students may also choose to schedule a follow-up 1:1 session with a peer counselor.
Note: peer counseling services including Peer2Peer are not intended for crisis situations. Students experiencing a mental health crisis should call CAPS 24/7 at 520-621-3334 or dial 988 for immediate support.
“Peer2Peer meets students where they already are. Because it's over the phone, students don't have to get ready, travel anywhere, or walk into a building. College problems don't always fit into a set of categories, and talking to another student who's living a similar reality makes it easier. I am super excited to see how this program will develop in the future. I'm also looking forward to seeing students use it and hopefully making it easier for people to feel connected,” said Nick Smith a Peer Counselor working with Peer2Peer.
All CAPS peer counselors are trained in psychological first aid, active listening, and connecting students to campus resources. Peer2Peer complements other peer support efforts at CAPS, including scheduled one-on-one peer counseling sessions, peer led communities and events, and CAPS groups and workshops.