Peer Counseling

Overview

The Berkeley Free Clinic provides free, confidential peer counseling for individuals 18 years of age and over.

Services are provided by volunteers trained in active listening. We give our clients the space to explore whatever it is they would like to talk about. We meet you where you’re at—no judgment, no advice, just a compassionate space for processing and gaining perspective.

We don’t write or fill prescriptions, provide treatment, tell you what to do, or make diagnoses. If you’re looking for those things: call us, and we can recommend low-cost Bay Area mental health providers to you.

You can also reference our guides to finding a therapist, low cost psychiatry, crisis hotlines, and community care & self care on our wiki hosted by the Information & Resources Collective.

Counseling Availability

In-Person Counseling at 830 University (50 min sessions)

Every Tuesday: 6:30-9:00pm (last call at 8:30pm)
2nd & 4th Sundays: 4:30-7:00pm (last call at 6:30pm)

ENDING AFTER JULY 9th Phone Services (30 min)

2nd & 4th Thursdays: 6:30-9:00pm (last call at 8:30pm)

Call (510) 548-2570, press 2 to reach a counselor.

After July 9th, if you are interested in phone counseling, please connect with the following organizations: CalHOPE call or text (833) 317-4673. California Peer Run Warm Line call or text (855) 600-9276.

Volunteering with Us

Interested in volunteering with us? Applications are currently being accepted for the 2026 cohort. To learn more about the opportunity and submit an application, visit 2026 PCC Volunteer Application. The application deadline is August 16, 2026.

Please send questions to pcctraining@berkeleyfreeclinic.org.

Client Satisfaction Survey

Have you joined us for peer counseling? If so, take our client satisfaction survey to provide feedback on your experience.