The University of Texas at Arlington’s Virtual Peer Support Clinic continues to offer students a place to learn, decompress and share experiences through peer-led discussions on mindfulness, resiliency, grief, loss and trauma.
Intern and Master of Social Work student, Marianne Rangel, described the clinic as “a safe space for students to come and not only learn from other students but also learn about themselves.” She said sessions focus on “different things and different topics that you know, we all deal with on a regular and even things that we might not know how to navigate.”
Participants join one of six weekly online sessions led by Master of Social Work practicum students. Intern and MSW student, AshtenHarris, said the clinic serves as “a virtual support system for students, no matter the discipline.”
“It is not counseling,” Harris said. “It is more so of general topics that students can select to participate in that kind of serves as a way to decompress and they leave with homework assignments or reflection assignments that kind of help them just kind of get through, you know, just general things we all face.”
Three students give a "Mav Up" hand sign in front of the Social Work and Smart Hospital Building at the University of Texas at Arlington. (Photo by Thomas Johns)
During the Fall 2025 semester, the Virtual peer Support Clinic offered 2 peer support psychoeducational series, reaching over 120 students, the typical average for student interaction. Administrator and PhD student, Stephen Silva-Brave Silva-Brave said some attend for extra credit, but many continue even after earning points. “Some come for extra credit and then they stay even after they got their points,” he said.
Facilitators use slides, discussions and reflective exercises to keep students engaged. Harris said sessions often include “meditation or reflective exercise” and tools that let quieter participants contribute. “We may embed questions in which we are asking students to respond utilizing an emoji, because we understand that not a lot of people want to talk,” she said.
Silva-Brave said the clinic began during the pandemic when students could not complete practicum placements in person. “There was a grant given to make something for it,” he said. Early interns researched what students needed, ultimately recommending a peer support model.
The clinic has remained virtual since 2020. Silva-Brave said the format supports comfort and accessibility. “People participate wherever they can, like from their computer at home, or even from their phone outside or in a different location,” he said. “If you do not want your camera on, you do not have to have it on.”
Harris said the peer-to-peer approach breaks down barriers. “Having a peer support group, it drops that stuffy veil,” she said. “There is a different level of comfort and presence that is there that I just feel like I can be transparent and myself.”
Rangel said many students grow more comfortable sharing over time. “From the first session to the last session, students talk about more detailed events and experiences,” she said. “You really see them blossom.”
Peers frequently support one another directly. Harris said shared experiences can be powerful. “Sometimes when we go through difficult situations because of the burden that it is, we often feel like we are the only person who is experiencing it,” she said. “Hearing from others gives inspiration and gives hope.”
Facilitating the clinic also serves as a training experience for interns, who complete mock sessions, co-facilitation and supervised practice. Silva-Brave said interns rotate each semester and support one another’s development. “They kind of keep passing it down,” he said.
His goal is for interns to leave confident in their professional identity. “My goal is to make sure that the interns get the most out of this experience, that they leave feeling like now I am a social worker,” he said.
Harris said the team encourages innovation. “They welcome the skills that they already had and are allowing themselves to utilize those skills and also build and be creative,” she said.
Rangel said she wants students “to grow that self-awarenesswithin themselves” and “feel OK and comfortable with creating their own kind of safe space.”
Harris said she hopes participants understand the value of shared support. “Reach one teach one,” she said. “To know that you are not alone, you are supported.”
Students are encouraged to keep an eye on Canvas and emails for announcements regarding upcoming sessions. Sessions for the Spring 2026 semester will begin the first week of February. For any questions, please contact Stephen Silva-Brave at axh8246@mavs.uta.edu.