Volunteer counselling in NYC?

[ConstantNoah]

Hi, I'm looking for some volunteer counseling opportunities in NYC to determine whether I would enjoy being a therapist (e.g. a psychologist). I already know of the Samaritans suicide prevention hotline. Does anyone know of anything else?

Thanks in advance!

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[CheetahGirl]

Hi, I'm looking for some volunteer counseling opportunities in NYC to determine whether I would enjoy being a therapist (e.g. a psychologist). I already know of the Samaritans suicide prevention hotline. Does anyone know of anything else?

Thanks in advance!

Go on all the major medical school/centers (like Mount Sinai, NYU hospitals, Columbia hospitals) websites and search for volunteer opportunities.

You could also contact to NYC department of health and human services, and inquire about how you could get certificated as a rape crisis counselor or family advocate for domestic violence (there are many programs all over the city & boroughs), some of which may be for the NYC District Attorney's office.

The experience will give you insight into working with distressed individuals and may illuminate some roles of the therapist but your position as a volunteer advocate will be limited to your training, and you will learn what you can & can't do (or say) as a volunteer. (During the training, you will explicitly learn where a social worker, clinical psychologist or psychiatrist will step in and take over.)

Good luck!

 

[ConstantNoah]

Thank you!

 

[Balmoral]

St. Luke's-Roosevelt used to have volunteers in the Addiction Institute and The Rusk Institute at NYU I think has some volunteer program. These are more specific areas of psychology but can provide good exposure. Good luck.