UH Students Lead the Way in Peer-to-Peer Support

The University of Houston is fostering a culture of empathy and connection through innovative peer-to-peer support programs led by students. With the rise of mental health awareness and the demand for accessible, relatable resources, UH students Alessa Perez and Christian Gonzalez are taking the lead to provide support to their peers, embodying the Coog spirit of community care.
Building Empathy with Togetherall
Alessa Perez, a senior and the president of Cougar Peer Educators, recently became a "Togetherall Trained Peer." Togetherall is an online platform that offers a safe, anonymous space for students to share their experiences, access self-help tools, and connect with trained peers.
“After two years as a Cougar Peer Educator, joining Togetherall felt like a natural next step,” said Perez. “The role is similar to being a Peer Educator, but with a stronger emphasis on mental health knowledge and a digital platform.”
The Togetherall training equipped Perez with tools to provide nonjudgmental support, practice active listening and foster a safe environment. She shared a poignant example of a student who struggled to express their emotions. By suggesting they write a script of what they wanted to say, Togetherall helped the student organize their thoughts and build confidence to communicate effectively.
“Many students lack the social and emotional tools to communicate their needs,” Perez explained. “Peer-to-peer support offers relatability through shared experiences, reduces stigma and empowers students to seek help in a collaborative space.”
Creating Connections with Companion Corner
Christian Gonzalez, a student leader with Mindversity, is launching a new peer support initiative called Companion Corner. This program is designed to create a space where students can connect with peers who understand their challenges.
“Sometimes, people just need someone to listen,” Gonzalez said. “Companion Corner’s goal is to provide empathy and understanding above all else. What makes it unique is its inclusivity — it’s not limited to specific groups or colleges, and we’re working to eliminate as many barriers to entry as possible.”
Companion Corner collaborates with Counseling and Psychological Services and aligns with the JED Foundation’s campus mental health initiatives to ensure participants have the necessary tools to engage in meaningful, supportive conversations.
“Our goal is simple: if just one person says that this program helped them, it’s worth it,” Gonzalez shared. “But ultimately, I hope Companion Corner becomes a campus-wide initiative supported by student organizations.”
Addressing Mental Health Needs
Both Perez and Gonzalez highlighted a pressing need among UH students: the search for belonging and community. College can be an isolating experience, and many students struggle with feelings of loneliness.
“Companion Corner can provide a dedicated community for students who feel unheard or unsupported,” said Gonzalez. “It’s about offering a sense of belonging and showing students they’re not alone.”
Perez echoed this sentiment, noting that Togetherall provides a bridge for students who may feel uncomfortable seeking help from friends or therapists. “The anonymity of the platform makes it easier for students to open up,” she said.
A Culture of Care
Programs like Togetherall and Companion Corner exemplify UH’s commitment to student well-being. For more information about these initiatives, visit the CoogsCARE website or explore Togetherall. Students interested in Companion Corner can reach out to Mindversity or visit CAPS for additional resources.
A Culture of Care
Programs like Togetherall and Companion Corner exemplify UH’s commitment to student well-being. For more information about these initiatives, visit the CoogsCARE website or explore Togetherall. Students interested in Companion Corner can reach out to Mindversity or visit CAPS for additional resources.
