Addressing students' mental health through peer counseling at SMK Muhammadiyah 4 Surakarta

Rista Nur Hamidah (Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta, Surakarta, Indonesia)
Widya Yuli Santinintyas (Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta, Surakarta, Indonesia)
Ichsan Kristanto (Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta, Surakarta, Indonesia)
Daliman Daliman (Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta, Surakarta, Indonesia)

Community Empowerment
Vol 9 No 8 (2024)

SMK Muhammadiyah 4 Surakarta recognizes the importance of enhancing students' awareness of peer counseling to support their psychological well-being. This community service aimed to improve students' understanding of peer counseling roles and skills through activities including materials provision, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), and peer counseling practice. Post-test results indicated a significant increase in students' comprehension of peer counseling concepts, including emotional support provision. FGDs offered a platform for students to discuss and share experiences, while peer counseling practice provided firsthand experience as both counselor and client. This community service successfully enhanced students' understanding of peer counseling.