The Peer Counseling Program at WIU is designed to provide comprehensive support and resources to students facing various challenges. We take a holistic approach to well-being and recognize the central importance of human connection. We have hotline services and face-to-face peer support counselors, creating a flexible model that adapts based on feedback.
Mission
At WIU, we're dedicated to fostering a supportive campus community. Our mission is to provide a safe and private space where students can seek support, share their concerns, and access resources. We are driven by the principles of hope, person-centered care, holistic well-being, resilience, and equity. These principles guide everything we do.
Core Values
- Hope: We believe in the potential for growth and positive change in every individual.
- Person-Centered: We respect each person's unique strengths, values, and goals.
- Holistic Well-being: We address physical and emotional well-being, housing stability, a sense of purpose, and a supportive community.
- Resilience: We help students build the capacity to cope with adversity and setbacks.
- Equity: We strive for fairness and inclusivity, ensuring that all students have equal access to support.
If you just need someone to talk with, one of your options for receiving support is a dedicated and engaged Peer Counselor (PC). Peer counseling appointments are in-person on the Macomb campus and must be scheduled through Calendly.
Days & Hours:
- Monday: 4:00-7:00 p.m.
- Tuesday: 4:00-7:00 p.m.
- Wednesday: 4:30-7:30 p.m.
Feedback
Have you recently attended an appointment with one of our WIU Peer Counselors? We value your opinion. Please take a moment to tell us what you think. Your responses will not be linked to you or given directly to your peer counselor. Instead, they are sent to the clinical supervisor for quality improvement and acknowledgment.
Please note that Peer Counselors are a listening service and may not be the best resource given your specific concerns or needs. If PC service is not an appropriate resource, we may refer you to a professional therapist and/or your professional therapist may decide that Peer Counseling is not in the best interest of your treatment. In these cases, the PC program coordinator or your peer counselor will connect with you about the best plan moving forward.
Peer Counselors
Peer Counselors are here to provide active listening and promote empathy, create meaningful spaces for connection, and create moments of social connection within the campus community. PCs are trained and supported by the Psychology Department and are not a substitute for therapy. They are here to listen, support, and provide resources on topics related to everyday aspects of the student experience. Students who are in need of clinical mental health services or are in crisis should seek a licensed professional.
Payten Ziegler
Hello, my name is Payten Ziegler. I am a senior at Western, majoring in Psychology with a minor in Mental Health. I’m involved in the Psychology club on campus, and I’ve completed DV and SA crisis-line training with WIRC, where I have worked on their hotline. Outside of academics, I’m passionate about art and believe in the power of self-expression in whatever form feels right to each person. I also enjoy hiking, attending music festivals, and spending time with my little siblings and friends. I joined Peer Counseling to help create a welcoming, inclusive space for students from all backgrounds and to serve as a connection to our campus community. After graduation, I plan to pursue a master’s degree in Counseling or Social Work, while continuing to explore my creative interests. I look forward to connecting with you soon!
Deja Clark
I am Deja Clark. I am a senior here majoring in Psychology with a minor in Mental Health. I am from Calumet City, Illinois. After graduation, I am going to get into a masters program for School Psychology in hopes of becoming a School Psychologist or a Registered Behavior Technician. I hope to bring a relaxing and supportive environment to the Peer Counseling Program here at Western Illinois University.
Kelsie Balagna
My name is Kelsie Balagna, and I am a senior majoring in Psychology with minors in Mental Health and Art Studio. I am originally from Pekin, IL. I am the current president of the psychology club, College of Arts and Sciences Student Council, and run the social media for Hotline and PSI CHI. I am also an Honors student, and I am currently working on my honors thesis about art therapy. I always have a lot going on, but I always make sure to have time to be creative! I love drawing, gouache painting, and crocheting. I recently crocheted a giant star blanket and a stuffed raccoon. I am really passionate about psychology and plan to apply to graduate school for clinical psychology.
Interested in becoming a Peer Counselor?
Being a Peer Counselor can provide valuable experience with active listening and outreach skills, a unique experience for your graduate school resume, and a meaningful opportunity to help your fellow students. Those who would be a good fit for the program are: strong leaders on campus, skilled in listening and providing empathic support to others, enthusiastic about designing and facilitating programs for the campus community and work effectively within a collaborative team environment. Peer Counselors are selected from those who have successfully completed the Hotline Training Course.
WIU Student Hotline
Contact
Dr. Kristy Keefe
Dr. Keefe is an Associate Professor in WIU's Department of Psychology. She is the director of the student hotline and supervisor of the peer support counseling program. Learn more about Dr. Keefe.
I love to see students come together to make deep human connections and support a community.
Office: Waggoner Hall 155
Phone:
(309) 298-1593
Email:
K-Keefe@wiu.edu
James Churchill, Graduate Assistant
James is honored to serve as the Graduate Assistant for the Peer Support Counseling Program. A graduate student in the Clinical/Community Mental Health Psychology program at WIU, James holds a deep commitment to mental health advocacy and creating a supportive campus community.
With a background in psychology and crisis services, James supports Peer Counselors through mentorship, supervision, and guidance. He is devoted to enhancing the effectiveness of the program and contributing to the personal and professional growth of each Peer Support Counselor.
Dorothy Agyapong, Graduate Assistant
Dorothy is honored to serve as the Graduate Assistant for the Peer Support Counselling Program. She is currently pursuing a graduate degree in School Psychology, and passionate about promoting student well-being, creating a supportive campus community, and empowering peers to make a difference in the lives of others.
WIU Peer Support Program is a place to create connections and a sense of community. Additional resources are available for students in need of immediate crisis care.
Emergencies
If someone's safety is involved or a person is in immediate danger take action immediately:
Victim Assistance
File a criminal report with WIU's Office of Public Safety (OPS)
Office: Mowbray Hall
Phone:
(309) 298-1949
File a complaint with Equal Opportunity and Access
Office: Shermal Hall 312
Phone:
(309) 298-1977
University Counseling Center
The University Counseling Center provides free, confidential counseling and has crisis appointments available from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. each day. Please call to schedule an appointment.
Office: Memorial Hall 102
Phone:
(309) 298-2453
Email:
ucc@wiu.edu
WIU Psychology Clinic
The WIU Psychology Clinic provides free therapeutic services and low cost assessments to campus and community members in the west central Illinois region. Individual, couples, family, and group therapy are available. Please call to schedule an appointment.
Office: Waggoner Hall 116
Phone:
(309) 298-1919
Email:
psychologyclinic@wiu.edu
WIU Student Hotline
Hotline is a service provided for both the Western Illinois University and Macomb communities. Our staff consists of paraprofessional student volunteers. We are trained to provide callers with information, referrals, and telephone support and guidance. We provide empathy and understanding while helping callers resolve their concerns.
Daily Hours (when residence halls are open): 7:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.
Student Development and Success Center
The Student Development and Success Center assists students through their transitional periods focusing on academic and personal development. We can assist with absences, care reporting and referrals, emergency and crisis follow up, military activations, and University withdrawals.
Office: Memorial Hall 125
Phone:
(309) 298-1884
Email:
sdsc@wiu.edu
Leatherneck Care Referral
The Leatherneck Care Referral program offers an easy-to-use tool to share non-emergency related concerns about student behaviors and potential barriers to success. Staff from the Student Development and Success Center lead the coordination of the Leatherneck Care Referral program and are trained to assist.
North Central Behavioral Health Systems
Provides a wide variety of mental health treatment and support services to adults and children. Visit the website ncbhs.org for additional information.
(309) 833-2191 (24 hour emergency number)

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