Services for staff

Counselling and Psychological Services (CAPS) provide a range of services to staff of the University of Melbourne.

Information on staff wellbeing services, support, and events is also available on the Human Resources Staff Hub page (login required).

Mental health advice for others (secondary consultation)

CAPS provides secondary consultation to University of Melbourne staff seeking information and advice about how to respond to mental health concerns about students.

This service may be useful when staff are concerned about a student showing signs of distress, or presenting with complex or atypical behaviours, and are unsure what support or next steps may be helpful.

Secondary consultation equips staff with general information and guidance to respond supportively within the scope of their role. This may include how to:

  • identify and raise concerns with a student
  • encourage the student to seek appropriate support
  • assist when a student may need urgent help.

Staff are not expected to provide counselling or take on a clinical role.

Secondary consultation is provided by senior counsellors. To request a secondary consultation, call us on 03 8344 6927 during opening hours.

If you are concerned about someone's immediate safety or need advice during an unfolding mental health crisis, call 000, University Security, or the University Mental Health Crisis Support Service on 1300 219 459 (available 24/7).

For concerns involving inappropriate, concerning, or threatening behaviour, contact Safer Community for advice and support.

Please note: This service is primarily for University of Melbourne staff supporting students. CAPS does not generally provide secondary consultation to family members or friends of students. If you are concerned about a student, please encourage the student to contact CAPS directly if they would like support.

Staff counselling

As a University of Melbourne staff member, you can access short-term individual counselling appointments via either the Employee Assistance Program or Counselling and Psychological Services (CAPS).

Staff counselling

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

The University's Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides a wide range of free, independent, and confidential services that staff can access for any wellbeing issues you may be experiencing, including personal wellbeing challenges not related to work. Staff and immediate family members can access confidential short-term counselling, along with other wellbeing resources and support materials. All services are delivered either face-to-face, online, via telephone or through the EAP service provider's app. Learn more about the EAP and how to access EAP services on the dedicated EAP Staff Hub page.

Staff counselling through CAPS

CAPS provides free, confidential, short-term counselling for staff. All counsellors are employees of the University and have a wealth of experience in assisting you to develop adaptive strategies to support you at home and at work.

Initial appointments

If you are new to CAPS or haven't attended our service this year, book an appointment by:

  • Calling us on 03 8344 6927, or
  • Visiting our reception at Level 5, 757 Swanston Street, Parkville.

Return appointments

Staff who are existing clients can book, check-in for, reschedule or cancel an appointment using our online appointment portal.

Book, check-in for, reschedule or cancel an appointment

Other programs and resources