By: Urja Parhi
Whether you’re a first year or sixth year, everyone needs help in the mental health department from time to time. It is a common misconception that only people actively struggling should seek mental health resources, but the truth is that everyone needs wellbeing maintenance to succeed.
Not sure where to start? Observer talked to management at ANU Counselling to gain more insight on what they can do for students and what the process would look like.
The goals of ANU Counselling focus on providing a “holistic approach to the mental health of students… and achieving specific emotional or practical goals.” This service is available to all currently enrolled students that are studying in the current semester and are based in Australia. Most students receive up to six sessions per semester, with exceptions dependent on individual cases and circumstances.
Current students have commented on the wait times that can occasionally feel lengthy upon initial contact; ANU Counselling assures students that they “aim to be responsive and that there are limited circumstances where they may be able to provide an earlier appointment.” For those waiting for an appointment, ANU Counselling has attached resources that may ease the wait time or answer more questions in the meantime.
Ready to book an appointment? The first step is to complete the online registration form. Following this, ANU Counselling will be in contact within five working days to organise an appointment. They would also like to highlight the ANU Wellbeing line which is available to students 24/7 and provides “immediate wellbeing support from workers that are familiar with the ANU Community and university sector.”
ANU Wellbeing and Support Line: 1300 050 327, Text 0488 884 170.
Each counselling appointment aims to “see students as individuals with their own strengths, resources and ways to cope. It aims to build on successful strategies as well as address concerns regarding life, study, work, coping or relationships.” It is important to note that concerns do not have to be related to studies or university work, and Mental Health Treatment Plans or mental illness diagnoses are not required to use this service.
Whilst ANU Counselling is a great resource for students, it may not be the right resource for everyone. However, management at ANU Counselling has provided additional information and alternative services that may be more suited to individuals.
ANU Counselling is part of the broader range of health services offered at ANU for students. Other services include the ANU Medical Centre, the Student Safety and Wellbeing Team, and the ANU Psychology Clinic.
The Student Safety and Wellbeing Team is a service that allows students to access free support regarding their academic and university experience. The case managers that run this service work with students confidentially to address issues that may be hindering their academic progress and engagement. Appointments can be made on the website following the completion of the online registration form.
The ANU Psychology Clinic is a practice and training centre that offers therapy run by clinical and provisional psychologists. Whilst this clinic is not a free service, it does also include cognitive assessments within its service list. The fees are outlined on their website and appointments can be made by emailing [email protected] or by calling 6125 8498.
Head to Health is a fantastic resource for people in Canberra which provides therapeutic support but can also direct individuals to agencies that may be more suited for their circumstances.
Their website outlines the resources they can provide, however, you are also able to call to book an appointment or walk into their clinic for an initial consultation, conveniently located five minutes walk from campus. This initial consultation will assess what services will be suitable for individuals and Head to Health assists in taking the next steps of your wellbeing journey.
Other resources are available in Canberra for students, however they require a Mental Health Treatment Plan in order to be bulk billed. These treatment plans can be obtained from a GP and would allow students to access the following resources:
Psych2You: https://psych2u.com.au/
Someone.health: https://someone.health/
Arkkardian: https://www.akkadianhealth.com.au/
The Talk Shop: https://www.thetalkshop.com.au/
In addition to the ANU Wellbeing and Support Line, Canberra also has many resources such as the Access Mental Health Line: 1800 629 354 which is also 24/7 and runs from Canberra Health Services. Lifeline is also always available to individuals as well as 000 for emergencies.
When asked about the importance of ANU Counselling in relation to the wellbeing of students across the university, a manager of the establishment told Observer that “ANU Counselling plays a crucial role in the prevention space by supporting students in the University context,” and that their hope is that the organisation can “provide a safe and supportive therapeutic space for students to begin or continue their journey through life.”
Support Services and Contacts
Access and Inclusion: 02 6125 5036 or [email protected]
ANU Counselling: 02 6125 2211or 02 6178 0455 or [email protected]
ANU Student and Wellbeing: 02 6125 2211 or [email protected] or visit the Health and Wellbeing Centre
ANU Health: 02 6125 3598 or 02 6178 0400
ANU 24/7 Crisis Support Line: Call 1300 05 0327 or Text 0488 884 170
Access Mental Health (ACT): 1800 629 354
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Graphics by Annisa Zatalini.
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