Red Rocks Community College Peer Counseling Program

The Peer Counseling Program (PCP) is a component of the RRCC Behavioral Health Services (BHS). PCP interns and volunteers, referred to as Peer Coaches, are extensively and thoroughly trained in recognizing and describing mental health concerns and will assist their peers in locating appropriate resources either on campus or in the community. Peer Coaches will be able to enhance the education, skill- building, and personal growth relevant to furthering fellow students’ well-being, coping, and resilience. Peer Coaches will also disseminate information about the services provided by the BHS and decrease the stigma associated with seeking counseling. As student leaders reaching out to other students, Peer Coaches serve as positive role models for the campus community.

Healthy Minds Resource Center Mission

The Healthy Minds Resource Center promotes healthy student emotional well-being by providing peer support through Private Peer to Peer counseling, Stress relief activities, Meditation, Campus and Community resources, & a safe non-judgmental space that is focused on mental health & emotional well-being. Our Peer coaches support students in realizing their own wellness goals through a positive learning environment and by providing lifesaving resources.  

Services Offered Through the Health Minds Resource Center:   (Services are currently in process of moving to an on-line format. Please return for updates as the start of the semester approaches.)

  • Private Peer to Peer Counseling 
  • Stress relief activities
  • Meditation 
  • Peer Education on Topics such as Anxiety, Depression, Drug & Alcohol Awareness, Sexual Assault and Suicide
  • Campus & Community Resources
  • A safe, non-judgmental place to hang out with other peers. 
  • Resource Center with books and movies focused on Mental Health and Emotional Well-being

Mental Health Trainings that can be coordinated through the Healthy Minds Resource Center:

  • Suicide Prevention Training – QPR
  • SafeTALK Suicide Prevention Training
  • Mental Health First Aid

Peer Counseling Program Mission

The Peer Counseling Program supports the mission of the Healthy Minds Resource Center by providing private peer to peer coaching, leading Healthy mind activities, and providing lifesaving resources to the students of Red Rocks Community College.

How do I get set up with a Peer Coach?

Peer Coaches will be available for drop –in appointments during designated hours (to be determined after Peer Coaches are selected) at the Peer Counseling Program Office in Rm 1577, which is located on the first floor in the west wing across from the student life desk and students may also schedule to meet with a Peer Coach by calling the Peer Counseling Program Office at 303.914.6185 or sending an email to peercounseling@rrcc.edu. COVID exceptions - Currently we are not offering drop-in services or face-to-face services (remote services only). Phone calls and emails will be responded to during the hours of 10am -4pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

How do I become a Peer Coach?

The RRCC Peer Counseling Program is seeking energetic, compassionate, and reliable students with good social skills and sound judgment who are committed to educating others about mental health resources and learning to support peers who need help with life issues. If you or someone you know is interested, or you believe someone you know might be a good fit for this program, please contact either Katey Parsons, RRCC Behavioral Health Counselor, at 303.914.6316 or Amy Buckingham, Lead Psychology Instructor, at 303.914.6270.

Interested students must complete all sessions of the Peer Counseling training course, SWK 120 Helping Interventions,and receive an “A” in the class, prior to submitting an application. This course is offered in both the Fall and Spring semesters and questions regarding the course can be directed to Amy Buckingham, Lead Psychology Instructor.  Peer Coaches at RRCC are selected from qualified applicants and serve for a period of at least one semester.

For more information, please contact :

Amy A. Buckingham, MA
Red Rocks Community College
Psychology Dept. Lead/Faculty
Amy.Buckingham@rrcc.edu
Ph. 303.914.6270

OR

Katey Parsons, M.Ed., LPC

Jefferson Center for Mental Health

Red Rocks Community College
Behavioral Health Counselor
Katey.parsons@rrcc.edu
Ph. 303.914.6316

Healthy Minds Resource Center

Home of the Peer Counseling Program

Room 1577, located across from the Student Life desk
peercounseling@rrcc.edu
Ph. 303.914.6185