How our counselling services work

 

Making an appointment 

All students and staff are welcome to contact the Counselling Service to make an appointment.  
 

The Counselling Service is made available to service users subject to demand, which varies at different times in the academic year. Service users will be informed of the nature, frequency and duration of service that is reasonable, based on the level of demand, staff availability, and service users' needs.
 
We have counsellors who can provide counselling in languages other than English (Mandarin, Cantonese, Indonesian and Arabic). Please let reception know if you would like to book an appointment with a counsellor who speaks these languages.  

                 Mandarin: Mon - Fri

                 Cantonese: Wed - Fri

                 Indonesian : Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri

                 Arabic : Mon - Fri

Our ability to provide a high-quality service depends on people keeping appointments; please let us know if you cannot attend an appointment.

Student Referrals by UTS Staff

UTS staff can refer students of concern to UTS Counselling based on observed or reported behaviours and associated academic performance. A helpful counselling referral grid is available on Staff Connect to provide assistance with assessing situational and behavioural-based risk factors.

The First Visit questionnaire 

Prior to your Intake appointment, you will be asked to complete the online Counselling First Visit questionnaire. Hard copies are available at Student Services Unit reception. 
 
The questionnaire should take no more than 10 minutes to complete.  You should only complete this questionnaire if you have already organised an appointment with a counsellor. We will not act upon this questionnaire if you do not have an appointment booked.
 
If you have trouble filling out the First Visit questionnaire, please let the counsellor know at the first appointment so they can discuss the questionnaire with you in session. If you have difficulty with English language, you can ask the counsellor to provide Section 2 of the First Visit questionnaire in other languages.
 

Your first session 

Your first session will be an Intake appointment. Intake appointments are 30-minute sessions designed to assess any immediate problems and arrange follow-ups. Please arrive 10 minutes before your appointment to complete the relevant paperwork.
 
During your initial session, your counsellor will explain what the therapy involves, how many sessions may be needed, and what outcomes can be expected. Although counselling can arouse strong feelings or unpleasant memories, it may also include gaining greater self-awareness, mastering problems, and enjoying an improved ability to cope with pressures throughout your life.
 

Follow-up appointments 

Any follow-up appointments will be booked for you by our reception staff or your counsellor. The nature and purpose of therapy will differ according to your needs and the psychological orientation of the counsellor. Students can generally access UTS Counselling for 4-6 sessions. Students with a valid Mental Health Treatment Plan can see our counsellors for up to 10 additional sessions per calendar year. You can find more information about Mental Health Treatment Plan from this external site.
 
Your commitment to counselling is crucial for success. It is important to be active and open with your counsellor, and to work responsibly towards agreed goals. Additional effort outside the counselling session may include thinking about issues raised in the session, monitoring your behaviour, working on particular tasks such as practising a new skill, reading a book or recording thoughts.
 

Sometimes your counsellor may consider that another professional would be better able to help you. In such cases, a referral to another counsellor or to an external professional or agency will be suggested. The counsellor will assist you with this process.

Feedback survey 

We’d really appreciate your feedback in order to help us continually improve and enhance the quality of our services. Please take the time to fill out our short survey, as this survey is password protected please contact Alivia Nicolls or call 9514 1177 for the password to login.
 
 
Acknowledgement of Country

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.