Frequently asked questions

The Southern Cross University Counselling Service provides free, confidential short-term support for personal issues that are affecting your wellbeing or ability to study. Counsellors can help you understand and manage challenges, develop practical coping strategies, navigate difficulties that impact your studies, and connect with ongoing support when needed.

SCU Counsellors are experienced professionals who work with students facing a range of personal, emotional, and mental health concerns. They can help you explore your situation, identify strategies that may improve your wellbeing, and develop a plan to support your academic success.

 

 

When you access the SCU Counselling Service, you can expect counsellors to:

 

  • Provide a professional and respectful service that values diversity of culture, beliefs, gender, and sexuality 
  • Listen to your concerns, and treat you with respect
  • Utilise evidence-based psychological interventions to improve your coping skills
  • Assist you in developing skills to help with your studies (for example, ways to manage exam anxiety)
  • Gain a clearer understanding of your situation, which can include an assessment of your mental health
  • Prioritise your safety and the safety of others
  • Refer you to appropriate services when specialised or ongoing intervention is required

Information on booking an individual counselling appointment is available on our appointments page. 

The SCU counselling service is open for bookable appointments via Zoom, phone, email or in-person, between 9am and 3pm on weekdays.

All SCU main campus and online students can call (02) 6626 9300 or email counselling@scu.edu.au

Coffs Harbour campus students can call (02) 6659 3263.

If you are running late or can't attend your appointment, please let us know as soon as possible.  Our service often has a waiting list, and we may be able to help another student.

We understand that sometimes things come up unexpectedly, and we will help you reschedule wherever possible.

However, should you repeatedly miss your appointments without contacting us, we will need to discuss your access to the service. You may be restricted from booking a counselling appointment for a period of time.

SCU students can access professional mental health support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through the SCU 24/7 Mental Health Support line. If you need help outside university operating hours, call 1300 782 676 or SMS 0488 884 143 to speak with a qualified mental health professional.

 

If you require additional support, you can also contact other community mental health and crisis support services. These support services can provide immediate assistance, crisis support, and ongoing mental health resources when needed.

 

If you are concerned about another Southern Cross University student, the best thing you can do is reach out to them, listen without judgment, and encourage them to access support. Students may be experiencing academic, personal, emotional, or mental health challenges, and a supportive conversation can make a meaningful difference.

You can support a student by:

  • Checking in and sharing what you have noticed in a caring and respectful way.
  • Listening without judgment or pressure to "fix" the problem.
  • Asking how you can help.
  • Encouraging them to connect with family, friends, or other trusted supports.
  • Discussing strategies that have helped them cope in the past.
  • Encouraging them to seek professional support if needed.
  • Respecting your own boundaries and recognising that you are not expected to solve their problems.
  • Looking after your own wellbeing while supporting someone else.

 

 

Referring someone to Counselling Services

Please be aware that we are unable to contact a student without their consent. If you think someone could benefit from counselling, it can be helpful to gently raise the idea of seeing a counsellor with them.

You could say: "One option in your situation could be to talk to someone at the Counselling Service. It's free and confidential. Have you considered that idea?"

You can direct them to this website for information and/or to book an appointment.

What if the person doesn't want help?

Taking the step to seek help can be challenging for some people. While it can be difficult to watch someone you care about struggling, counselling is generally not effective unless a person is willing and ready to get help. 

If the person is reluctant, try to find out why they feel that way. Unless there are immediate risks, it is important to respect the person's wishes. Let the person know that you are open to talking again with them, and check in at a later time. Continue to be supportive and patient with the person in the meantime.

While it's generally a good idea to give someone time and space to come around to getting help, if you are concerned that someone is in danger or at risk of harm, it's important to seek help immediately.

Yes, you can encourage another student to access the Southern Cross University Counselling Service, but they must choose to do so themselves. The Counselling Service cannot contact a student or arrange counselling appointments without that student's consent.

If you think counselling may be helpful, consider saying:

"One option could be to speak with the Counselling Service. It's free and confidential. Would you like to find out more about it?"

You can also direct the student to the Counselling Service website to learn more or book an appointment.

 

What should I do if a student does not want help?

If a student does not want help, it is important to respect their decision while continuing to offer support where appropriate. Seeking help can be difficult, and many people need time before they feel ready to access support.

If a student is reluctant to seek help:

  • Ask if they are comfortable sharing why they do not want support.
  • Let them know you are available if they would like to talk in the future.
  • Continue to check in and show support when appropriate.
  • Be patient and avoid pressuring them into seeking help.

However, if you believe the student may be at immediate risk of harm, or there are serious safety concerns, seek assistance immediately through the appropriate emergency or support services.

 

The Southern Cross University Counselling Service offers more than individual counselling appointments. Students can also access workshops, therapy groups, self-help resources, and referrals to external support services when additional or specialised assistance is needed.

Services available through the Counselling Service include:

  • Workshops and therapy groups that help students develop skills to support their mental health, wellbeing, and academic success.
  • Recommended self-help resources that provide practical information, strategies, and tools for managing common challenges.
  • Referrals to other professional services when ongoing or specialised support is required beyond the scope of the university counselling service.
  • Advice and consultation for SCU staff to help them support students who may be experiencing personal or wellbeing concerns.

The Counselling Service works closely with students to identify the most appropriate support options based on their individual needs and circumstances.

 

 

There are many helpful things you can do to support yourself while you are waiting for your appointment.

  • Read our counsellor endorsed self-care strategies below
  • Explore our Self-Help resources Hub for recommended mental health information, online self-help programs, and apps.
  • Attend a workshop or therapy group. These run throughout the year to support your study and wellbeing.

To be able to minimise wait times for everyone, we ask you to notify us as soon as possible if you are unable to attend a scheduled appointment so that this time can be offered to another student.

Strategies for self-care:

Physical self-care: Eat regular and healthy meals, exercise, do something that you enjoy, get medical care if needed, get enough sleep, take a mini break, reduce alcohol and drug use.

Psychological self-care:  Write in a journal, make time for relaxation and reflection, be curious, say no to extra responsibilities, try something new, decrease stress in your life. If you feel you are unable to be alone ask a friend to stay with you.

Emotional self-care: Spend time with others who make you feel good, stay in touch with important people in your life, give yourself praise and affirmations, express your feeling in a safe way, find things that make you laugh and don’t be afraid of feelings and emotions-experience them as waves that come and go.

Spiritual self-care: Spend time in nature, be open to inspirations, pray, meditate, sing, be open to not knowing, read inspirational books, reduce the influence of material things, take a tech detox (turn off mobile, TV, internet).

Study/Work self-care: Take regular breaks, temporarily reduce workload, identify projects or goals that are exciting and rewarding, balance and plan workload so it doesn’t feel too much, talk with others about what you need at the moment.

Are you a student needing help?

Security and support services

1800 SC HELP / 1800 72 4357