Peer Counseling Collective
The Peer Counseling Collective provides free, confidential peer counseling for individuals.
In our 60- or 30-minute sessions, we use active listening style peer counseling to hear and understand clients' thoughts and concerns. We do not give advice, provide treatment, or make diagnoses. We also cannot write or fill prescriptions but we do offer referrals to other low-cost Bay Area mental health resources.
Volunteering with Us
We are not currently recruiting volunteers.
Our Volunteers
Believe in health care for people, not for profit!
Want to be part of a collective where there is no hierarchy and all decisions are made collectively
Are ready to explore issues of oppression and life challenges in a non-judgmental way
Are from different backgrounds and have lived a range of experiences
Are eager to develop new skills and learn about themselves in the process
Commit to attending all classes and completing all training requirements
Can make a one-year commitment after completion of the training, which includes being a peer-counselor AND being an active collective member
Volunteer Training
Our training is a self-exploratory learning experience that prepares its trainees well for peer counseling in a community-centered health model. The training lasts 4.5 months and takes place on Thursday evenings and Sundays. We require a one-year commitment after training to volunteer within the Peer Counseling Collective. This commitment involves staffing shift nights as well as being an active member of our collective.
After a successful completion of the training requirements, a voted-in member of the collective is expected to commit to a year of volunteering at the BFC. This commitment involves staffing shift nights as a peer counselor as well as actively supporting the collective, attending meetings and continuing your education.