Making an appointment
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
Students
You can book, check-in for, reschedule or cancel an appointment using our online appointment portal.
Staff
If you are new to CAPS or haven't attended an appointment this year, book an appointment by calling us.
Staff who are existing clients can book, check-in for, reschedule or cancel an appointment using our online appointment portal.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): telecounselling appointments
We are currently offering online appointments via Zoom until further notice. If you have any issues connecting with us, please call or email us for assistance.
Appointment types
Initial consultations
Getting support at CAPS begins with an initial consultation. An initial consultation appointment is up to 45 minutes and includes:
- Questionnaires about your health and wellbeing (15 mins)
- A consultation with a counsellor (30 mins)
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.
If a suitable appointment time is not available, contact us during business hours. We can arrange for a counsellor to provide a brief triage phone call to work out options.
You can also 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 up to 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.
LGBTQIA+ 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. 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.
Contact CAPS
For all appointments and enquiries
Book, check-in for, or change an appointment
Call us
+61 3 8344 6927
Phone hours: Monday to Friday, 9am-5pmEmail us
More contact information
Including mailing address, locations and information for staff. Find out more
After hours mental health crisis support
Contact emergency crisis support now
For support and advice outside of opening hours (including weekends and public holidays):
Phone: 1300 219 459
Text: 0480 079 188
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.