The University of Melbourne Counselling and Psychological Services (CAPS) provides free, confidential, short-term professional counselling to currently enrolled students and staff.
Looking after your health and wellbeing is essential to being your best at the University of Melbourne. Life at university can be exciting and interesting, as well as bring challenges such as adjusting to a new environment and the general stress of student life.
Sometimes it can be difficult to reach out to family and friends, or deal with things by ourselves. Counselling can be helpful during these times.
Student workshop program
CAPS offers free workshops on a range of personal development, mental health and wellbeing issues each semester. Mental Health First Aid and other training programs are also available for both students and staff.
Contact us
Parkville (main office)
Level 5, 757 Swanston Street, Parkville
For all appointments and enquiries
Phone: +61 3 8344 6927
Book an appointment online (students only)
Please note: We strongly advise contacting us by telephone or in person to ensure a prompt and appropriate response. Any correspondence received via email cannot be assured of reaching us in a timely or confidential manner. For emergency contacts after hours, please refer to our emergencies page.
Counselling and Psychological Services (CAPS) provides free, confidential, short-term professional counselling to currently enrolled domestic and international students and staff. CAPS is committed to providing quick access to our service for those in need.
For all appointments
Phone: +61 3 8344 6927
Appointment types
Initial consultations
Getting support at CAPS begins with an initial consultation. An initial consultation appointment is up to 45 minutes and includes:
- A questionnaire about your health and wellbeing
- A consultation with a counsellor
The consultation is designed to cover a brief overview of your current situation and address any immediate concerns.
Initial consultation appointments are available Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm. They can be booked on the day, or the next day. During semester, with increased demand, wait times can increase. Check out what you can do while you are waiting, or if you need urgent assistance.
If you would feel more comfortable speaking with a male or female counsellor, or have particular preferences in your choice of counsellor, see our staff page for more details. We will endeavour to place you with someone of your choice, but this may not always be possible.
Short-term counselling
At the end of your initial consultation, your counsellor will recommend some support options. Some people find that the initial consultation is sufficient for their needs, while others may proceed with short-term counselling.
Return appointments are 50 minutes and are arranged through your counsellor. Majority of students attend between one to four sessions. A small number of students may require up to six sessions.
For important information about what to expect at your initial consultation or from short-term counselling, see our what to expect from counselling page.
LGBTIQA+ counselling and support
At the University of Melbourne, we recognise the richness diversity brings. We pride ourselves on fostering and promoting a diverse and inclusive learning and working environment free from discrimination, harassment, vilification, or victimisation based on sex, sexuality, or gender identity.
Our counsellors are welcoming and supportive of people of all backgrounds, and many counsellors have a particular interest in supporting students of diverse sexuality and gender identity. We also have have a dedicated LGBTIQA+ counsellor, Jean Popomilkov. You can read more about our staff.
Appointments are booked online or by phone at 03 8344 6927. If you would like to see Jean or any specific counsellor, you can request this.
Special consideration
Can a counsellor help me apply for special consideration?
Students who have been seeing a CAPS counsellor in an ongoing way about issues affecting their study can talk to their counsellor about completing a Health Professional Report (HPR) to support an application for special consideration.
Before making an appointment:
- Please refer to the University's policy and information on Special Consideration.
- Print and complete the Student portion of the HPR. A copy of the HPR form can be found on the Special Consideration page under 'Supporting Documentation'.
What if I haven't been to see a counsellor at CAPS before?
HPR forms are best completed by health professionals who have prior knowledge of your circumstances.
If it's your first time seeing one of our counsellors, we may not be able to complete your HPR. However, you can still make an appointment to discuss personal issues that are impacting your study, and we can discuss options and support with you.
More information
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Why seek counselling?
People attend counselling to talk about personal, emotional, or mental health issues which affect their study and life.
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What to expect from counselling
Important information about what to expect when you visit our service, including how we work, what happens in appointments, and your confidentiality.
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Waiting for your appointment
There are many helpful things you can do to support yourself while waiting for your appointment.
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Worried about someone?
What to do if someone you know is struggling and may benefit from counselling.
Counselling and Psychological Services (CAPS) offers free workshops on a range of personal development, mental health and wellbeing issues each semester. Mental Health First Aid and other training programs are also available for both students and staff.
On this page:
Tuesday lunchtime workshops
Break free from anxiety workshops
International student programs
Mindfulness programs
Webinars
Special interest workshops
Mental Health First Aid training
2020 Semester 1 Student Workshop Program
Download a copy of the 2020 Sem 1 Student Workshop Program (PDF 207.1 KB)
Tuesday lunchtime workshops
No registration required. Arrive early to get a seat!
| Workshop | Date/time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Creating social connections Feel more confident and connected in social situations |
Tuesday 17 March 1-2PM |
Stop 1 Level 1 - Room 109 |
| Assertive communication Learn to express yourself more clearly and confidently |
Tuesday 24 March 1-2PM |
Stop 1 Level 1 - Room 109 |
| Optimising focus and attention Train your attention, build concentration, remain calm and focused under pressure |
Tuesday 31 March 1-2PM |
Stop 1 Level 1 - Room 109 |
| Overcoming procrastination Explore ways to stay on track and get things done |
Tuesday 21 April 1-2PM |
Stop 1 Level 1 - Room 109 |
| Resilience and wellbeing Build resilience, manage stress, and live a happier, more meaningful life |
Tuesday 28 April 1-2PM |
Stop 1 Level 1 - Room 109 |
Break free from anxiety workshops
Develop and practise psychological skills to better manage stress and anxiety.
| Workshop | Date/time | Location | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Break free from anxiety for graduate students |
Friday 13 March 9.30am - 4.30pm | To be advised | Registration opens - Monday 24 February |
| Break free from anxiety |
Wednesday 1 April 9.30am - 4.30pm | To be advised | Registration opens - Monday 16 March |
| Break free from anxiety |
Thursday 7 May 9.30am - 4.30pm | To be advised | Registration opens - Monday 20 April |
| Break free from anxiety | Wednesday 3 June 9.30am - 4.30pm | To be advised | Registration opens - Monday 18 May |
International student programs
Reflect on your experience as an international student and extend your social network. Gain support from counsellors and other international students in learning ways to adjust to a new environment, build meaningful relationships, and maintain positive wellbeing.
| Workshop | Description | Date/time | Location | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connecting and thriving as an international student | There can be many changes and challenges to navigate as an international student, even if you've been living in Australia for some time! Connect with people with similar experiences, get support from each other, and learn ways to better cope with stress and take care of yourself. |
Wednesday 29 April 3-5 PM | To be advised | Registration opens - Monday 13 April |
| CAPS and UMSU International Student Workshops | In partnership with UMSU International, learn more about wellbeing and adjustment as an international student. More information coming soon. | To be advised | To be advised | To be advised |
| CAPS and GSA Graduate International Student Program | Connect, share, and learn about wellbeing as an graduate international student in this 6-session program. More information coming soon. | To be advised | To be advised | To be advised |
Mindfulness programs
Mindfulness is paying attention to the present moment with an attitude of openness, curiosity, and acceptance. Regular practice can help us better manage stress and anxiety, improve our focus, engage more fully in life, and take effective action.
| Workshop | Description | Date/time | Location | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mid-week mindfulness | Drop in to an introductory mindfulness session to learn more about it through brief guided exercises. All students and staff are welcome. | Every Wednesday (Week 2 - Week 9 of semester) 11 March - 6 May 1.15 - 2PM | Parkville campus Baillieu Library, Leigh Scott Room | No registration needed |
| Mindfulness for stress management for graduate researchers | This program aims to provide a supportive learning environment for graduate researchers to develop a regular mindfulness practice to better manage stress. This requires a commitment to attend 6 x 1-hour weekly sessions and 20 minutes of practice per day. | Every Thursday (21 May - 25 June) 1 - 2 PM | To be advised | Expression of interest form - coming soon |
Webinars
| Webinar | Date/time | Registration |
|---|---|---|
| Social anxiety program This three-week online program will help you understand social anxiety and offer strategies to overcome it. | Friday 24 April, Friday 1 May, Friday 8 May 1-2PM | Registration open |
Special interest workshops
| Workshop | Date/time | Location | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studying on the spectrum How to survive and thrive at uni with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). |
Tuesday 7 April 1-2PM | To be advised | Registration open |
| Coming out of your cultural zone Struggling with sexuality or questioning gender identity from a different cultural perspective? Join a safe space for discussion, ideas, and support. | To be advised | To be advised | Register an expression of interest |
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training
Learn to recognise and assist someone developing a mental health problem or in crisis.
Recommended external resources
Explore external online mental health resources recommended by counsellors.
Ask Counselling
Ask Counselling is an online tool for University of Melbourne students with personal questions about psychological and emotional issues.
You can use Ask Counselling to submit a question to staff at Counselling and Psychological Services. Questions are reviewed regularly, and answers are published on the Ask Counselling website.
Question of the week: Loneliness
This year has been really tough for me mentally and I experience waves of sadness from time to time. But past few weeks have been worse...What should I do?
ReachOut NextStep
ReachOut NextStep recommends online and in-person support services based on your situation and needs. Recommendations are tailored for 18 – 25 year olds, however they may still be helpful to those outside of this age range.
Other resources
Explore other resources offered by Counselling and Psychological Services, including tip sheets and guided exercises.
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Mental health problems
Tip sheets on common mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders and self-harm.
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Study-related issues
Information on how to cope with psychological issues which may be affecting your studies, including stress management and motivation to study.
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Relationships
Find out how to make the most out of your relationships at uni or manage relationship issues.
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Life transitions
Get advice on how to handle big transitions in your life, including adjusting to life at University.
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Wellbeing
Tip sheets on wellbeing, including self-care, getting better sleep and dealing with anger.
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Addictive behaviours
Advice about how to deal with or help others with addictive behaviours such as drug, alcohol or gambling addiction.
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Trauma
Information and advice on how to cope with and respond to traumatic life events.
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Guided exercises
Access a range of guided mental health and wellbeing exercises, with accompanying audio files.
Counselling and Psychological Services (CAPS) provide a number of services to staff of the University of Melbourne.
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Students at risk
We encourage and promote early identification and support of students who may be experiencing mental health issues or personal distress.
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Mental health training
Counselling and Psychological Services offer a range of mental health training for staff.
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Staff counselling
Staff can access counselling through the Employee Assistance Program, as well as short-term counselling through Counselling and Psychological Services.
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Programs for residential colleges and affiliated accommodation
Counselling and Psychological Services provide a number of specialist training programs for student leaders, tutors and advisors in residential colleges.
Liaison with faculties, departments, and Stop 1
We encourage communication and aim to assist you with any matters pertaining to student issues.
We can provide:
- Assistance in managing and responding to critical incidents
- Advice on management of complex issues through secondary consultation
- Information on emerging issues and trends
- Facilitation to improve working relationships between groups of students, or groups of staff and students
- Help in facilitating referrals, including to individual counselling, and to workshops for students and staff
- Attendance to staff meetings, as requested
For further information, please contact Orania Tokatlidis, Manager, Counselling and Psychological Services.
Get help now
Are you or someone else in immediate danger? If you are in an emergency:
- Contact University Security on 03 8344 6666
- Call the Police on 000
- Go to your nearest hospital emergency department
- Contact your local psychiatric triage service
If you're near the Parkville campus
The local psychiatric triage number is 1300 874 243 or 1800 888 320 (ages 15-25 years, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week).
The nearest hospitals include the Royal Melbourne Hospital (Phone: 03 9342 7000) and St Vincent's Hospital (Phone: 03 9231 2211).
If you're near the Southbank campus:
The local psychiatric triage number is 1300 363 746. The nearest hospital is The Alfred Hospital (Phone: 03 9076 2000).
If you're in another area
Call the nearest major hospital; they will connect you with the local after-hours mental health service. You can also find the contact details of mental health services near your suburb or town using the Victorian Government Accessing Mental Health Services Finder.
If you need to speak to someone urgently
During business hours, Counselling and Psychological Services are available to help.
Please call us at 03 8344 6927 and let us know that the situation needs urgent attention, or read more about our psychological support for personal crises and critical incidents.
For urgent concerns after hours, please see the emergency contacts and external services above and below.
Suicide and crisis support
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Lifeline Australia
Lifeline Australia provides people in Australia access to crisis support and suicide prevention services. Services available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Phone: 13 11 14
- Lifeline online chat
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Suicide Call Back Service
The Suicide Call Back Service provides free counselling for anyone affected by suicide. Services available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Phone: 1300 659 467
- Suicide Call Back Service online chat
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Suicideline (Victoria)
Suicideline (Victoria) provides free, professional, anonymous support for people in Victoria at risk of suicide, concerned about someone else’s risk of suicide, and bereaved by suicide. Services available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Phone: 1300 651 251
- Suicideline online chat
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Kids Helpline
Kids Helpline provides free phone and online counselling for young people aged 5 – 25 years. Services available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Phone: 1800 55 1800
- Kids Helpline online chat
Counselling and mental health assistance
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Beyond Blue
Beyond Blue provides information and support to help Australians achieve their best possible mental health, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Phone: 1300 22 4636
- Beyond Blue online chat
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MensLine Australia
MensLine Australia provides professional telephone and online support and information for Australian men, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Phone: 1300 78 99 78
- MensLine online counselling
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eheadspace
eheadspace provides a confidential, free, and secure space for young people (12 – 25 years) or their family. You can chat, email, or speak on the phone with a qualified youth mental health professional.
- eheadspace online chat
- Phone: 1800 650 890 (9am - 1am, every day)
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Care in Mind
Care in Mind provides free online and phone counselling for people living, working, or studying in Melbourne's northern, central, and western suburbs (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).
- Phone: 1300 096 269
- CAREinMIND online counselling
Sexual assault, family or relationship violence
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Women’s Emergency Care
Women's Emergency Care at the Royal Women's Hospital provide a 24-hour, 7-days-a-week response to recent sexual assaults for women and men:
Address:
Women’s Emergency Care
Lower Ground Floor
20 Flemington Road
Parkville Victoria -
The Royal Women’s Hospital Sexual Assault Crisis Line
The Royal Women’s Hospital Sexual Assault Crisis Line provides crisis care response for people who have experienced sexual assault.
Phone: 03 9635 3610 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
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Sexual Assault Crisis Line
The Sexual Assault Crisis Line provides state-wide, after-hours, confidential, telephone crisis counselling for people who have experienced both past and recent sexual assault.
Phone: 1800 806 292 (5pm – 9am)
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1800Respect
1800Respect provides a national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service.
- Phone: 1800 737 732 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
- 1800Respect online chat
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Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre
The Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre is Victoria's 24/7 family violence support service.
Phone: 1800 015 188 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
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No to Violence Men’s Referral Service
No to Violence Men’s Referral Service is a men's family violence telephone counselling, information, and referral service in Victoria, New South Wales, and Tasmania. It is the central point of contact for men taking responsibility for their violent behaviour.
Phone: 1300 766 491 (8am – 9pm, Monday-Friday; 9am - 6pm, Saturday-Sunday)
If your situation is not urgent, you may also wish to view more information and support for those who have experienced sexual assault and/or violence in relationships.
LGBTIQA+
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Switchboard Victoria
Switchboard Victoria is a national telephone and web counselling, information, and referral service for LGBTQI identifying people or families, friends, teachers, and co-workers of LGBTQI people.
Phone: 1800 184 527 (3pm - 12am, 7 days a week)
Drugs, Alcohol, and Gambling
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Directline
Directline is a confidential alcohol and drug counselling and referral service, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Phone: 1800 888 236
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Gambler’s Help
Gambler's Help provide support for anyone affected by gambling, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Phone: 1800 858 858
Youthline (under 25 years): 1800 262 376
Grief and loss
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Compassionate Friends Victoria
Compassionate Friends Victoria provide grief support, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Phone: 03 9888 4944 or 1300 064 068
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GriefLine
GriefLine provide anonymous support and specialist grief counselling to individuals and families.
Phone: 03 9935 7400 (12pm – 3am, 7 days a week)