Book a counselling appointment with Student Services

Life at university can be challenging, with ups and downs, and there may be times when you want professional support to resolve difficulties you encounter. The University counselling and wellbeing services work to help you access the assistance you need to have a well-balanced life.

Student Services recognises that different people have different needs, which is why they use a matched care approach. This seeks to not only match your needs to the most appropriate support for you, but also to improve access to mental health and wellbeing support by offering a dynamic, student-centred approach with both one-off and ongoing support.

What Student Services can provide depends on your needs and situation, including where you study. Email theasc@st-andrews.ac.uk to discuss what you need. 

The counselling service can provide support to manage your difficulties, achieve specific goals or make meaningful change in your life. To do this we offer:

• Counselling. During your first session, you and your practitioner will work together to agree the aims of your work, as well as the frequency and number of sessions. We are a short-term service, and we will be open and transparent about what is both appropriate and achievable within the scope of a university service. Longer term or specialised support may require a referral to the NHS, to an external organisation or be more suitably managed privately.
• One at a time (OAAT) counselling. With these sessions we schedule with the intent that one session may be enough to address the most significant issue for you at the time of your session. Often, they can be solution-focused, providing you with new insights, tools, exercises, action points or suggestions for addressing the main issue you are facing. On the other hand, these sessions can be a space to pause, reflect or contain distress during a time of flux or high stress.
• Group support. We offer a range of groups and workshops with the aim of providing practical advice and support to students to address common difficulties.
• Referral support and signposting. We cannot be a specialist in all areas and we do not try to replace statutory local specialist support. During your time in our service, you and your counsellor may agree that Student Services is not the most appropriate form of support for you. If this is the case, we will discuss other options and how you can access this support. Where possible, we will help you with this referral.

What to expect

• In your initial appointment you will receive a consultation where you can describe what you believe you need. A referral will be made and a counsellor will be assigned to work with you.
• In your first counselling appointment you will discuss your goals and make an agreement with your counsellor.
• There will be tasks or homework to complete between sessions. You should be willing and motivated to carry these out to the best of your ability.  
• Further appointments can be agreed if needed.

Booking

Book a consultation appointment online.

If you need help now, phone the ASC: +44 (0)1334 46 2020.