HEART Peer Counseling

The Hartwick Empathy Assistance Referral Team (HEART) is here for you! Their goal is to help fellow students by providing a safe, non-judgmental, and confidential counseling space.

HEART peer counselors are students who are specially trained to help other students access mental health services. Students seeking mental health services meet with a HEART peer counselor to discuss options for therapy and resources. During this educational session, students can ask questions and gain insight from a trusted peer.

Students walk away from their session with a HEART peer counselor with a referral to in-person or online counseling, information on community resources, and/or steps to take for finding a counselor utilizing private or school insurance. HEART counselors present all options to students, and assist students in choosing the best fit for their mental health needs.

HEART peer counselors maintain your privacy at all times and sign a confidentiality agreement with Hartwick College. Members are supervised by and have access to the counseling center staff for support and guidance.


Follow us on Instagram @heart_counselors for office hour updates and information about campus events.

Our Mission Statement

The Heart Peer Counselors provide a confidential and safe space for the Hartwick community. We aim to accomplish this by identifying and addressing the mental health needs of our fellow peers. Heart Peer Counselors empower and support Hartwick students through advocacy and validation. Our core values of empathy, inclusion, and acceptance help us promote the growth of all individuals who seek our services.

HOW CAN A HEART PEER COUNSELOR HELP YOU?

  • Offer support and guidance
  • Listen and understand from a peer point of view
  • Problem solve with you
  • Provide education, information and/or resources
  • Referrals to campus resources
  • Provide a safe space for you to vent

WHY WOULD YOU GO TO HEART?

  • Stress
  • Homesickness
  • Adjustment to College Life
  • Roommate Conflicts
  • Classroom Challenges
  • Future Planning & Goal Creation
  • Time Management Skills
  • Campus Involvement
  • Relationships and Social Connections

HOW DO I MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH A HEART PEER COUNSELOR?

No appointment is needed to meet with a HEART peer counselor. Stop by the office, we’re in Perrella Wellness Center! Check our Instagram @heart_counselors for updated office hours and more.

If you wish to schedule an appointment, call or email the HEART office.

Email: [email protected]

Our HEART Peer Counselors

Shelby Swartz ’26

HEART Peer Counselor

Dylan Dwyer ’26

HEART Peer Counselor

Maggie Van Valkenburgh ’26

HEART Peer Counselor

Stephanie Cohen ’27

Heart Peer Counselor

Mary Kinnane ’26

Heart Peer Counselor

HOW CAN I BECOME A HEART PEER COUNSELOR?

Each spring semester, the counseling center accepts applications for students interested in becoming a member of the HEART Peer Counseling program. Students must be in good academic standing with the college and must pass a conduct record check. New members are carefully selected and extensively trained.

 

March: A campus-wide email will be sent announcing the interview and hiring timeline. The open position will be available on Handshake.

April: Interviews, grade and conduct checks, and reference checks.

May: Group interview(s) and official offers extended.