All enrolled students are eligible to access the SCU services, whether an undergraduate or postgraduate student.

Appointments can typically be scheduled by sending an email to [email protected].

Yes, the SCU offers services on all the UP campuses. Just send an email to the central email address and we will pass on your service request.

Counsellors at the SCU are trained to assist with a wide range of concerns including stress, anxiety, depression, academic difficulties, relationship issues, loss, bereavement, trauma and more.

Yes, counselling sessions are confidential within legal and ethical limits. Information shared during sessions is not disclosed to anyone without the student's consent, except in cases where there is a threat of harm to self or others, or when required by law.

If you send your service request to [email protected], we will start processing the request the very next day. Once a request for services is allocated to a counsellor, a student should expect contact or communication with the SCU within the same week. A booking is made with the counsellor at their first available opening.

The number of sessions varies depending the needs of the student and the interventions required. We offer interventions based on evidence based practice and focus on presenting problems. Mostly this is short-term counselling, but some students may require ongoing support.

The SCU services are free; there is no additional cost to students who are enrolled in the university.

The UPCareline is available to offer after-hours crisis support or may provide resources for accessing help in emergencies. Contact the UPCareline on 0800 747 747. There is not data or airtime costs when contacting the emergency careline. All crisis numbers are on the back of your student card.

While we try to match health care practitioners with a student’s needs, we cannot allow for switching between counsellors based on individual preference only. We have to try and accommodate as many students as quickly as possible.

It is true that not everyone needs counselling. Perhaps you would like to listen to one of our podcasts or request us to host a workshop in your residence or faculty. Visit our website for other mental health resources. If you just wish to discuss something briefly, you can request for a brief mental health consult with a registered counsellor.

The student counselling unit operate year-round, including during academic breaks and semesters. However, availability of counsellors and hours of operation may vary during these times especially the month on December where the academic calendar of the university comes to an end. The UP careline is however contracted to operate 24/7/365.

Yes, counselling services are available to all students, including international students. The student counselling unit counsellors and or therapist are trained to understand and address the unique challenges that international students may face.

The student counselling unit prioritizes privacy and confidentiality. There are measures in place to ensure that students can access services discreetly and without fear of judgment or disclosure of personal information. That is why we have instituted service requests via email – you can be completely private.

Please visit the academic success coach within your faculty (formerly known as the Faculty Student Advisors (FSA)) to help you to manage academic stress, improve time management skills, overcome procrastination, and other issues relating to academic performance. If they spot any underlying issues that may be impacting academic performance, they can refer students to us at the SCU, the Disability Unit (DU) or student career services for further support and management.

The SCU have counsellors and or therapist who are trained to provide affirming and supportive care for LGBTQ+ students.

The SCU therapists who specialize in addressing specific concerns such as substance abuse, eating disorders, trauma, and more. They will however provide referrals to specialized treatment programs when needed.

The SCU offer group therapy sessions on various topics such as stress management, mindfulness, interpersonal skills, and more. Group counselling can be a valuable complement to individual counselling. Send an email via the normal channels and someone will be in touch.

While counsellors and or therapist can provide support and guidance, they do not prescribe medication. However, we collaborate with healthcare providers, such as psychiatrists or primary care physicians, who can assess the need for medication and provide prescriptions if necessary. There is designated doctors at the Student Health Services to assess and manage medical interventions that require treatment.

The SCU often welcome feedback from students to improve their services. You can provide feedback through surveys that are emailed to students.

Student studying abroad who are registered in the current academic year can access services remotely often via tele-health platforms that are negotiated between the student and assigned therapist or counsellor. Specific conditions of this service will be discussed with the student.

Use Security Services 0800 006 428 and the UP Careline on 0800 747 747 for immediate assistance. Remember all crisis numbers are on the back of your student card. We respect that everyone coming to the SCU feels that their problem is serious. However, not everyone will need an emergency appointment. If however you were the victim of trauma or assault, has a known condition that needs urgent attention or has uncontrolled symptoms, the SCU has protocols in place to respond to crisis situations and contracts with emergency medical services. In a crisis, you can ask anyone in authority to help you to reach out for help.