Dear Student

• The Student Counselling Unit (SCU) at UP would like to ensure all students that counselling will continue for existing and new clients during the university shutdown period while the country is trying to manage the spread of COVID 19.
• We would like to optimise the health and safety of students and the staff at the SCU.
• Please read the following message carefully as it will explain step-by step how our services will continue with minimum disruption.

Existing clients

1. All students already booked with a psychologist, will receive communication via email. Please check your personal as well as the Tuks-gmail accounts regularly, in order to receive our messages.
2. The SCU has decided to make virtual counselling sessions available during the shutdown period, via WhatsApp calling / video calling. This is known as e-counselling or tele-counselling.
3. If you wish to continue with e-counselling, please respond to your psychologist, who will then be in touch to explain how these services work and set up virtual consultations.
4. Please respond to any email sent by your psychologist.
5. If for some reason you do not receive an email, please contact 012 420 2333 or email [email protected], or email your psychologist directly.
6. If you prefer to postpone your therapy, the psychologist will still be available on email or WhatsApp messaging, for when you decide to resume the sessions.
7. Alternatively, you are welcome to resume your regular therapy contact sessions as soon as the University reopens.

New clients

1. In order to limit the spread of COVID 19, the walk in screening sessions will have to be suspended during the shutdown period.
2. Students new to the service are requested to follow one of the following routes: a. Email: [email protected]; or b. Phone 012 420 2333 – your call will be rerouted to our receptionist.
3. Your details will be taken down and a staff member will call you to schedule a virtual appointment with a psychologist.

Other resources

1. If you have any questions, please feel free to email or call your psychologist directly.
2. You can also email [email protected] for any enquiries regarding our service during the shutdown period.
3. Look at our website https://www.up.ac.za/student-counselling for access to online resources, interesting links and regular updates regarding our services.
4. Please use the SADAG 24 hour Careline at 0800 747 747 for free telephonic counselling services. You can also SMS 33123 and they will call you back. Please allow a time-delay for calls to go through.
5. Lifeline offers tele-counselling: 012 804 1853 (Hatfield) / 012 842 3726 (Mamelodi) / 079 644 8644 (Shoshanguve) / 086 132 2322 (National).

Thank you for your continued support and use of our services.

Keep safe and healthy and we hope to see you back on campus again soon.

The Student Counselling Team