Berkeleyan

Letter to the Editor

10 November 2004

Editor:

I was encouraged by your investigation into mental-health programs assisting students (“Getting positive about depression on campus,” Nov. 4). I would like to point out that, in addition to the counseling services offered through UHS, peer-counseling programs are available to Berkeley students. Student-to-Student Peer Counseling is an ASUC-sponsored group that has been serving the Berkeley campus for more than 35 years.While such programs are widely thought to be cost-effective and helpful, they are often overlooked.

Faculty and staff concerned about the mental-health needs of their students should consider letting them know about our free services. Students are welcome to drop in to our office in 318 Eshleman Hall between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., or to anonymously call our phone service at 642-9021. We also have a website with resources for students, at www.ocf.berkeley.edu/~sspc.

Kristen Kipps
Member, Student-to-Student Peer Counseling