Your mental health and wellbeing

We want you to feel like you can 'just ask' whenever you’re facing questions or challenges at university. This is especially true where your mental health and wellbeing are concerned, so if the pressures of studying lead you to feel anxious or in need of a helping hand at any point, we’d encourage you to simply reach out for the support we can offer.

COVID-19 impact on services

The Mental Health, Wellbeing and Counselling service is open and continuing to operate a service throughout the COVID-19 restrictions. Appointments are currently being delivered online in line with University and Government guidelines. This is being reviewed on a regular basis.

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Dedicated support

Student Support Services operates a Mental Health, Wellbeing and Counselling service. Our qualified counsellors, wellbeing and mental health professionals are here for you throughout your time at Stirling. Whatever you’re going through, we’re here to help.

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24/7 online support

In addition to the wide range of wellbeing services available at the University, we have also partnered with togetherall to provide Stirling students with access to 24/7 online support. togetherall is a digital mental health support service which is completely anonymous – so you can express yourself freely and openly.

Find out more

Mental health

If you are concerned about your mental health and would like to know about the kind of support you can get during your studies, please contact the Student Services Hub so they can direct you to the most appropriate service. We want to make sure all our students get the most out of university life and we provide a range of assistance services that you can benefit from after starting at Stirling. This includes dedicated Mental Health Student Advisers who are on hand to help.

Alternatively, if you are a current student and have a diagnosed mental health condition you can start the process of connecting with our Mental Health Student Advisers by filling out our Initial Identification of Needs form.

One at a Time therapy

A counselling session to support you to develop strategies or ideas to help you with your greatest concerns.

In response to the COVID-19 guidance, we are providing OAAT counselling sessions on-line via MS Teams (audio or video) until further notice.

Please read this information, along with our standard Counsellor Student Contract Information Sheet. This will allow you to make an informed decision about engaging in counselling during the COVID-19 response.

Some advantages

  • On-line counselling is flexible, effective and accessible
  • You can remain in a safe, familiar and comfortable space – this can encourage relaxation and openness
  • On-line counselling allows access to support without having to travel, this can reduce stress – it will continue to be at an agreed time
  • Support will continue to be compassionate, professional and respectful

How to get the most out of remote counselling sessions

  • Implement a normal routine before therapy such as washing and dressing appropriately – this can help with motivation and focus
  • Leave some time before the session to give yourself a moment to get set-up and prepared - this can help you feel ready for the session
  • Be aware of the potential to share more online – this can lead to heightened emotional responses during and after the session
  • If possible, avoid having another meeting straight after your session- give yourself time to wind down
  • Technical problems can arise - check your digital device is fully charged, with a stable internet connection
  • Think about where you will be at the time of the appointment - you will need somewhere quiet, where you feel safe and won't be interrupted
  • Sit in a comfortable chair and where the counsellor can see you clearly
  • Pour yourself a glass of water or a cup of tea/coffee before the session, but avoid consuming recreational drugs or alcohol before or during the session .

How would online counselling work?

  • Appointments are delivered using Microsoft Teams - MS Teams is part of Office 365 and is available to all students, click here for more information.
  • You will be sent a confirmation email for your appointment -it will contain a link to the MS Teams appointment.
  • When you are ready to join the appointment at the arranged time, click on the link and you will be taken through to the MS teams appointment.
  • You can agree with your counsellor if you prefer the remote session to be video or just audio.

If, due to personal circumstances, you are unable to engage with on-line support please contact our Student Services Hub.

Limits of support available to students based overseas

Counselling cannot be provided to students based overseas for legal and regulatory reasons. We can provide a support session (not counselling) to help you to identify local support in the country you are living in.

Counselling is a talking therapy which gives you the opportunity to explore issues which are causing you concern or distress. Your counsellor will give you the space to find a new perspective on a problem or think about options for change. The counsellor won’t tell you what to do but they will listen to you and help you find a way forward.

At the University of Stirling, we offer One at a Time Counselling, which means we focus on the most significant issue for you at the time of your session. We offer you one appointment at a time, then encourage you to reflect on what you and your counsellor have discussed. This may include taking some action regarding your situation and trying to manage it by putting into practice the ideas, techniques or action plans discussed in counselling. If it is more appropriate to refer you on to other services, either within or out with the University, we will do this with your permission.

If you feel after this process you need further support, you can make another appointment. Before any subsequent session, we will ask you to complete a new pre-session form so that we can understand what has brought you back to us.

About 70% of students find a single appointment helps them to move in the right direction.

One at a Time Therapy can be used for a wide range of issues, from anxiety to improving relationships, grief and loss, mental health issues, life changes and managing stress. In a One at a Time session, we can offer a contained and immediate response to your most pressing concern. While the session will focus on your greatest concern, this therapy can still be suitable for students with multiple or complex issues. So you may have a lot going on in your life, but still find a One at a Time session helpful.

When you register for the service, you will be sent a pre-session questionnaire to fill in. This will help you and your Counsellor to find out more about your main concerns and goals for your session. Please complete this before your session; if this is not complete before the session you will need to spend time during the session completing this.

If you feel the session was enough to meet your needs then you will not have another session booked, with the understanding that you are welcome to re-contact us at any point in the future.

How to register with Student Support Services

If you're a current University of Stirling student and would like to access our service, please complete our Counselling Service registration form. We'll ensure you receive the most appropriate support for your needs. We will treat you with dignity and respect, uphold the highest standards of confidentiality and offer you non-judgemental support to help you better understand your feelings and emotions.

Limits of support available to students based overseas

Counselling cannot be provided to students based overseas for legal and regulatory reasons. We can provide a support session (not counselling) to help you to identify local support in the country you are living in.

Wellbeing

We want you to thrive at Stirling and make the most of the opportunities and support available to you. When you’re thriving, you feel more resilient, confident, powerful and in control in your life. You’re less prone to stress, anxiety or depression – and more likely to feel happy and content in your life. Explore below how the 5 ways to wellbeing and other sources of support can help you get the most out of University life.

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More Information for current students

Helpful information about coping with exam pressure, settling into university life and more for current University of Stirling students. 

Access more info

More information for staff

Staff can find further information on supporting our students within our dedicated pages.

Supporting our students

Confidentiality and Data Sharing

We respect the privacy of everyone who uses our University Support Services. Take a closer look at our full documentation on Confidentiality and Data Sharing.

Read statement

More Information for current students

The Student Support Services team are available 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday (except on public holidays and University closure days).

Outside of these hours, you are not alone – there is a lot of support available to you.

View our out of hours support options

Contact us

COVID-19 (coronavirus) update - Student Services Hub

The Student Services Hub in Cottrell 2Z will be closed until further notice, but we will continue to manage your enquiries and book appointments via phone and email during our normal opening hours.

Read full Student Services Hub update

Live chat

Current students and applicants can chat live with staff from the Student Services Hub, Admissions or Information Services via the portal from 9am - 4:30pm (BST) Monday to Friday. Tuesdays only are from 10am - 4:30pm.

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