You can self-refer for counselling or mental health advice by completing the Counselling Referral Form on a phone or computer, by calling 020 8240 4353, or by emailing counselling@stmarys.ac.uk.
We currently offer appointments on weekdays between 9am and 5pm, except during the Christmas holiday closure and bank holidays with a reduced service over summer and Easter. Counselling is open to all current students as well as graduating students until the end of the August of whichever year they graduate.
At busy times of the year there may be a waiting list for appointments.
If you do not have an appointment but need to see someone urgently, there will always be a member of staff from Student Services to talk to you at the following times:
- Monday: 9am-5pm
- Tuesday: 9am-5pm
- Wednesday: 10am-5pm
- Thursday: 9am-5pm
- Friday: 9am-5pm.
The Counselling Service is situated within Student Services on the 2nd floor of J Building.
We want you to enjoy your time at University and our Counselling Service is here to support you with whatever emotional difficulties you are going through.
What happens when I make an appointment?
The Counselling Service offers short-term counselling. You will be invited to attend an initial general assessment with a member of the counselling team. This is an opportunity for you to talk about what has been going on for you and for us to explore what would be the best support for you going forward. The general assessment is usually carried out over the phone and lasts 20 minutes.
You could be offered up to four sessions of counselling or signposted to a service that's appropriate to your needs. If counselling goes ahead, sessions are 50 minutes long and will take place weekly, typically on the same day and time at an agreed time between you and your counsellor. We do ask for your availability in advance and we will try to accommodate you as best we can. Please note that counselling sessions may take place with a different counsellor from the initial general assessment.
Students can be entitled to a block of up to 4 counselling sessions per academic year and may also have access to some general wellbeing sessions. To get the most out of your counselling sessions it is beneficial to attend every week.
Alternatively, you may be referred to other sources of support to help.