The HELP Center is the campus telephone hotline, where you can speak to a fellow student peer-counselor in confidence about any matter that concerns you.
The HELP Center was established in 1970 by the University of Maryland Counseling Center in order to provide an outreach service to the campus community. Since then, we have received thousands of confidential calls.
You don't have to provide your name or any identifying information. All calls made to the HELP Center are kept strictly confidential, because we are here to provide you with an anonymous 'listening ear'. No concern is either too big or small; our intent is to LISTEN and provide feedback. HELP Center counselors are trained in interpersonal communcations and crisis intervention. We are ready to speak with you.
We also are ready to inform you about campus counseling services, campus information, and phone numbers for community resources.
Who Works at Help Center?
All Help Center volunteers are University of Maryland, College Park students. To become a Help Center counselor, you must complete a semester of training and pass a demanding test.
How Can I Become a Help Center Counselor?
The application process to become a Help Center volunteer is highly competitive. Each semester we interview dozens of applicants for a limited number of spots. The application process includes an interview, and once accepted, volunteers must attend a mandatory evening workshop and training weekend.
If you apply to become a counselor it is mandatory that you're available for the group dynamics and training weekend. If there is a religious conflict with these dates, contact the Help Center by phone to make arrangements.Who Can Become a Help Center Counselor?
Due to the length of training, the Help Center places preference on freshman and sophomore applicants. If you would like to join Help Center, please call us at 301–314–HELP and leave us with your name, number, email address, and year.*Note: There are no restrictions to majors or level of experience. You will receive all your training with Help Center.
*The Help Center is now ACCEPTING new applicants to become Help Center counselors.
Our services are always and will always be COMPLETELY free but donations are welcome
