University Square at night from above
Individual counselling
Counselling and Psychological Services offer free counselling to currently enrolled students and staff of the University of Melbourne. These sessions are confidential, for further details please have a look at our privacy statement (PDF 40kb).
Making an appointment
You can make an appointment by visiting our reception desk, or ringing 8344 6927 during normal business hours. Demand for counselling is high during semesters, and there is usually a waiting time for an initial appointment. Please arrive for your first appointment about 15 minutes early, to complete a Client Record Card and Health and Wellbeing Questionnaire, and to receive material on privacy and management of personal information. Most appointments last about fifty minutes.
Drop in appointments
For new clients who wish to be seen urgently, 30 minute appointments are offered at 2 pm and 2.30 pm each day. These do not require a previous booking, but there are limited places and they are offered on a first come, first serve basis. This means that you must book the appointment in person and then wait at the service until you can be seen (there is plenty of space to study or read). Please contact us to find out the availability of drop in appointments on the day.
What to expect when attending counselling
When you attend counselling, you can expect a professional, responsive and respectful service. Our counsellors are qualified and experienced psychologists and social workers, with extensive knowledge and understanding of the personal, family and work problems of students and staff.
A counsellor can assist you to gain a clearer understanding of whatever problem you have, and identify appropriate strategies or options for you to consider. Counsellors do not give advice, but help you to explore alternatives so that you can make the best possible decisions for yourself. They aim to be independent, good listeners, and do not blame or pass judgements.
Counselling through this service is not intended to be on a long term basis. Given the high demand for counselling, we provide short to medium term assistance, often with appointments spaced apart to give you the chance to try out changes.
If you are seeking assistance with regards to special consideration, please refer to the ask.unimelb site before making an appointment.
While you are waiting for an appointment
We are sorry about the wait.
Meanwhile we have included a checklist: While you're waiting to help you manage this time.
Also check out our Information and Resources pages and Ask Counselling website.
For more information about individual counselling please follow the links below:
For more information about individual counselling and other help please follow the links below: