{"id":22459,"date":"2022-06-22T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-06-22T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/timelycareprod.wpengine.com\/?p=22459"},"modified":"2025-10-13T10:58:19","modified_gmt":"2025-10-13T15:58:19","slug":"what-is-a-mental-health-peer-to-peer-program","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/timelycare.com\/blog\/what-is-a-mental-health-peer-to-peer-program\/","title":{"rendered":"What is a Mental Health Peer-to-Peer Program?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/timelycare.com\/blog\/what-is-a-mental-health-peer-to-peer-program\/#types-of-peer-to-peer-programs\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" target=\"_self\">Types of peer-to-peer programs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/timelycare.com\/blog\/what-is-a-mental-health-peer-to-peer-program\/#program-goals-and-activities\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" target=\"_self\">Program goals and activities<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/timelycare.com\/blog\/what-is-a-mental-health-peer-to-peer-program\/#barriers-to-help-seeking-behavior\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" target=\"_self\">Barriers to help-seeking behavior<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/timelycare.com\/blog\/what-is-a-mental-health-peer-to-peer-program\/#how-peer-to-peer-programs-address-barriers-to-care\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" target=\"_self\">How peer-to-peer programs address barriers to care<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/timelycare.com\/blog\/what-is-a-mental-health-peer-to-peer-program\/#positive-outcomes-of-peer-to-peer-support-programs\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" target=\"_self\">Positive outcomes of peer-to-peer support programs<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"22459\" class=\"elementor elementor-22459\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"has_ae_slider elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-c671caa elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default ae-bg-gallery-type-default\" data-id=\"c671caa\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"has_ae_slider elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-82d2677 ae-bg-gallery-type-default\" data-id=\"82d2677\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3c3bd5c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3c3bd5c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Mental health peer-to-peer programs are designed to mobilize students to become agents of change for mental health and well-being on their college campuses. The peer-to-peer model is an effective approach to shifting social norms that encourage positive health behaviors. Because <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scholastic.com\/headsup\/pdfs\/nida6_ins4_teacher_ed.pdf\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener\">peers shape one another\u2019s daily decisions<\/a>, from study habits to coping strategies, peer-to-peer programs use that same influence to promote positive health norms. Research from Scholastic and NIDA finds that when students model supportive, stigma-free behaviors, their peers are more likely to follow.\u00a0Conversely, students can also be influenced by their peers to make unhealthy choices.<\/p><p>Young adults are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.activeminds.org\/about-mental-health\/statistics\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener\">more likely to seek help from their friends<\/a> versus a mental health care provider or any other person in their lives. That\u2019s why implementing a peer-to-peer program in the college setting is considered an<a href=\"https:\/\/jedfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/JED-Comprehensive-Approach_FINAL_July19.pdf\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener\"> effective practice by The JED Foundation (JED).<\/a> Not only can peer-to-peer programs expand the network of individuals who can intervene before a mental health crisis occurs, but it also creates an environment where students are modeling positive health behaviors that influence other students to practice self-care and seek help for themselves or a friend before a critical situation occurs.<\/p><h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"types-of-peer-to-peer-programs\"><\/span>Types of peer-to-peer programs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4><p>A variety of peer-to-peer mental health programs exist on college campuses across the country. Programs like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.activeminds.org\/programs\/colleges-universities\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener\">Active Minds<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/projectlets.org\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener\">Project LETS<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/lean0n.me\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener\">Lean on Me<\/a> have a network of chapters supported by national organizations that provide training and technical assistance. Other programs, such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wpi.edu\/student-experience\/getting-involved\/leadership\/peer-assistance\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener\">Worcester Polytechnic Institute\u2019s Student Support Network<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.albany.edu\/middleearthcafe\/index.shtml\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener\">University of Albany\u2019s Middle Earth Peer Assistance Program<\/a> were developed by campus professionals to mobilize and train students to provide a range of peer assistance, support and education services. In addition, professional <a href=\"https:\/\/www.naspa.org\/project\/certified-peer-educator-cpe-training\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener\">organizations such as NASPA<\/a> host Certified Peer Education training and provide technical assistance to institutions that establish peer education programs.<\/p><h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"program-goals-and-activities\"><\/span>Program goals and activities<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4><p>Generally, peer-to-peer programs aim to enhance <a href=\"https:\/\/onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/full\/10.1002\/jcad.12311\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener\">mental health literacy<\/a>, which involves:<\/p><ul><li>Reducing stigma and other barriers associated with seeking help for mental illness and emotional distress.<\/li><li>Increasing awareness of self-care for mental health and well-being.<\/li><li>Increasing awareness of services available and help-seeking behaviors.<\/li><li>Creating a culture of support for student well-being.<\/li><li>Using shared experiences to offer help to friends or peers dealing with mental health conditions.<\/li><\/ul><p>Peer-to-peer support services differ from each other in the activities that they offer.<\/p><p>For example:<\/p><ul><li>Lean On Me and Middle Earth Peer Assistance Program have hotlines where peers answer text messages or calls from students looking for emotional support on topics that range from college adjustment to alcohol and drug concerns.<\/li><li>Student Support Network focuses on training students over six weeks through a variety of skill-building activities to help friends in crisis or distress.<\/li><li>Active Minds and Project LETS establish chapters on campuses that are designed to support students through peer education and advocacy in their communities.<\/li><\/ul><p>These groups function as extensions of existing campus resources and often partner with campus departments such as counseling centers to expand their reach and impact.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"has_ae_slider elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-e28fc21 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default ae-bg-gallery-type-default\" data-id=\"e28fc21\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"has_ae_slider elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-ade67cb ae-bg-gallery-type-default\" data-id=\"ade67cb\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-473baf4 elementor-cta--layout-image-right elementor-cta--skin-classic elementor-animated-content elementor-widget elementor-widget-call-to-action\" data-id=\"473baf4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"call-to-action.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-content-item elementor-cta__content-item elementor-icon-wrapper elementor-cta__icon elementor-view-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"146.176\" height=\"149.08\" viewBox=\"0 0 146.176 149.08\"><g transform=\"translate(-5555.288 -2392.131)\"><g transform=\"translate(5573.009 2394.381)\"><line y1=\"12.497\" transform=\"translate(55.269)\" stroke-width=\"4.5\" stroke=\"#606060\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" fill=\"none\"><\/line><line x1=\"4.597\" y1=\"12.631\" transform=\"translate(33.56 2.884)\" stroke-width=\"4.5\" stroke=\"#606060\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" fill=\"none\"><\/line><line x1=\"8.411\" y1=\"10.024\" transform=\"translate(13.725 13.204)\" stroke-width=\"4.5\" stroke=\"#606060\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" fill=\"none\"><\/line><line x1=\"11.903\" y1=\"6.872\" transform=\"translate(0 27.022)\" stroke-width=\"4.5\" stroke=\"#606060\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" fill=\"none\"><\/line><line y1=\"5.882\" x2=\"10.188\" transform=\"translate(100.545 30.656)\" stroke-width=\"4.5\" stroke=\"#606060\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" fill=\"none\"><\/line><line y1=\"9.717\" x2=\"8.153\" transform=\"translate(89.438 14.618)\" stroke-width=\"4.5\" stroke=\"#606060\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" fill=\"none\"><\/line><line y1=\"12.555\" x2=\"4.57\" transform=\"translate(72.38 3.933)\" stroke-width=\"4.5\" stroke=\"#606060\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" fill=\"none\"><\/line><\/g><g transform=\"translate(5600.548 2457.433)\"><path d=\"M5623.736,2471.934l8.421,6.919a11.128,11.128,0,0,1,4.064,8.6v28.1\" transform=\"translate(-5580.568 -2434.024)\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#606060\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"4.5\"><\/path><path d=\"M5603.063,2471.934l-8.421,6.919a11.131,11.131,0,0,0-4.066,8.6v28.1\" transform=\"translate(-5590.576 -2434.024)\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#606060\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"4.5\"><\/path><path d=\"M5625.288,2485.928l.043,5.931v17.263\" transform=\"translate(-5580.1 -2429.801)\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#606060\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"4.5\"><\/path><path d=\"M5598.626,2485.928l-.043,5.931v17.263\" transform=\"translate(-5588.16 -2429.801)\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#606060\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"4.5\"><\/path><circle cx=\"17.492\" cy=\"17.492\" r=\"17.492\" transform=\"translate(10.336)\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#606060\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"4.5\"><\/circle><\/g><g transform=\"translate(5557.538 2443.63)\"><path d=\"M5570.025,2461.331l-8.422,6.919a11.132,11.132,0,0,0-4.064,8.6v28.1\" transform=\"translate(-5557.539 -2423.422)\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#606060\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"4.5\"><\/path><path d=\"M5565.588,2475.325l-.043,5.931v17.263\" transform=\"translate(-5555.122 -2419.198)\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#606060\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"4.5\"><\/path><circle cx=\"17.492\" cy=\"17.492\" r=\"17.492\" transform=\"translate(10.336)\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#606060\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"4.5\"><\/circle><g transform=\"translate(96.357)\"><path d=\"M5656.774,2461.331l8.423,6.919a11.133,11.133,0,0,1,4.064,8.6v28.1\" transform=\"translate(-5623.942 -2423.422)\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#606060\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"4.5\"><\/path><path d=\"M5658.325,2475.325l.045,5.931v17.263\" transform=\"translate(-5623.473 -2419.198)\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#606060\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"4.5\"><\/path><circle cx=\"17.492\" cy=\"17.492\" r=\"17.492\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#606060\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"4.5\"><\/circle><\/g><\/g><path d=\"M5620.952,2417.885c12.105,0,22.848,4.921,29.487,12.474h9.655c-7.442-12.054-22.191-20.286-39.143-20.286s-31.7,8.232-39.142,20.286h9.655C5598.105,2422.806,5608.847,2417.885,5620.952,2417.885Z\" transform=\"translate(7.326 4.737)\" fill=\"#f4bd51\"><\/path><\/g><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-cta__title elementor-cta__content-item elementor-content-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tYoung adults are more likely to seek help from friends\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__description elementor-cta__content-item elementor-content-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tEquip students with the resources they need to be happy and healthy both in and out of the classroom.\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__button-wrapper elementor-cta__content-item elementor-content-item \">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-cta__button elementor-button elementor-size-md\" href=\"https:\/\/timelycare.com\/contact\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"follow noopener noreferrer\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tTalk to TimelyCare\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"has_ae_slider elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-73ab996 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default ae-bg-gallery-type-default\" data-id=\"73ab996\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"has_ae_slider elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-e0cf5ec ae-bg-gallery-type-default\" data-id=\"e0cf5ec\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fcf951c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"fcf951c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"barriers-to-help-seeking-behavior\"><\/span>Barriers to help-seeking behavior<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4><p>Peer-to-peer programs serve an important role in addressing the common barriers that exist for students seeking help. These barriers tend to relate to their perceptions of what care entails and how seeking help might impact how they are viewed by others. Lack of time or inability to locate or afford services can be barriers.<\/p><p>However, three major factors emerged from <a href=\"https:\/\/jedfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/JED-Comprehensive-Approach_FINAL_July19.pdf\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener\">research that explored help-seeking behaviors<\/a>, including:<\/p><ul><li>Perception of acceptability<\/li><li>Perception of trusted available help<\/li><li>Attitude towards seeking help for a friend even if the friend asked for secrecy<\/li><\/ul><p>Research has also found that a significant barrier for help-seeking is students&#8217; <a href=\"https:\/\/jedfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/JED-Comprehensive-Approach_FINAL_July19.pdf\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener\">perception that they need to be self-reliant<\/a> and able to cope with their own problems. Not only does self-reliance lead to less help-seeking behavior, but it is also associated with higher depression and suicidal ideation. Peer-to-peer programs can influence the perception or expectation of the need to be self-reliant by engaging students in conversations where they can learn from one another about the benefits of self-care, the acceptance of seeking care, and the availability of trustworthy support from peers and professionals.<\/p><h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"how-peer-to-peer-programs-address-barriers-to-care\"><\/span>How peer-to-peer programs address barriers to care<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4><p>Peer-to-peer programs can address these barriers and enhance help-seeking through the promotion of acceptability, trust, and the benefit of connecting friends to mental health support.<\/p><p>Peer-to-peer programs do this by:<\/p><ul><li>Hosting events that increase awareness (i.e. discussions, film screenings, activities, etc.).<\/li><li>Sharing information about the services available on campus (i.e. presentations or tabling events to educate students about campus counseling services).<\/li><li>Raising money for local or national organizations (i.e. Active Minds, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)).<\/li><li>Keeping students up-to-date on external resources like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nami.org\/Support-Education\/Mental-Health-Education\/NAMI-Peer-to-Peer\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener\">NAMI peer-to-peer<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nami.org\/help\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener\">NAMI helpline<\/a>.<\/li><li>Advocating for policy or procedure changes on campus (i.e. mental health withdrawal policies).<\/li><li>Sharing student voices in spaces where students need representation (i.e. administrative committees).<\/li><\/ul><h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"positive-outcomes-of-peer-to-peer-support-programs\"><\/span>Positive outcomes of peer-to-peer support programs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4><p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.activeminds.org\/about-us\/mission-and-impact\/study\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener\">outcomes of a peer-to-peer program<\/a> demonstrate that the model works to increase:<\/p><ul><li>The likelihood that students reach out to other students who they are concerned about.<\/li><li>The likelihood that students seek support for themselves.<\/li><li>Knowledge and attitudes about mental and behavioral health.<\/li><li>A campus climate of support on-campus outreach.<\/li><li>Self-care behaviors.<\/li><li>Offering a helpline to peers.<\/li><\/ul><p>Additionally, students who serve as peer supporters typically experience improved well-being. One research study found that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tandfonline.com\/doi\/abs\/10.1080\/07448481.2019.1660351\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener\">peer supporters had a better sense of belonging<\/a> at their institutions and used coping skills more after initial training and six weeks of participation as a peer supporter. At a time when students are reporting r<a href=\"https:\/\/healthymindsnetwork.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/HMS_nationalwinter2021_-update1.5.21.pdf\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener\">ecord levels of anxiety, depression, and loneliness,<\/a> peer-to-peer programs are more vital than ever. Bringing peers together with similar interests &#8211; to serve as peer supporters &#8211; creates opportunities for affinity and connection within the group and with the larger campus community.<\/p><p>Institutions can be proactive in establishing peer-to-peer programs and providing ongoing financial and administrative resources to ensure sustainability and long-term success. By doing so, institutions will enable student wellness and help them thrive in and out of the classroom.<\/p><p>Interested to learn more about how to fully support students\u2019 mental health? Get more information about virtual health and well-being <a href=\"https:\/\/timelycare.com\/contact\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"follow noopener noreferrer\">from TimelyCare<\/a>.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Mental health peer-to-peer programs are designed to mobilize students to become agents of change for mental health and well-being on their college campuses. The peer-to-peer model is an effective approach to shifting social norms that encourage positive health behaviors. Because peers shape one another\u2019s daily decisions, from study habits to coping strategies, peer-to-peer programs use [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":58,"featured_media":22461,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"content-type":"","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"default","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[14,22],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-22459","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mental-health","category-student-health"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What is a Mental Health Peer-to-Peer Program? 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