Counselling service

The University provides a free counselling service for students. Our counsellors have qualifications in psychology and social work and are highly experienced.

The counsellors have background experience in a broad range of areas including mental health, education, cross cultural counselling, disability, sexual diversity, drugs and alcohol, trauma, sexual assault and family and relationship issues.

To make an appointment to see a counsellor phone 8201 2118 or drop in and speak to the reception staff.

We try to see students on the day if the matter is urgent.

Commencing May 13th, a same day drop-in counselling appointment can be booked by calling Reception on 8201 2118 at 8.45am. These appointment usually fill very quickly and we cannot guarantee them.

There is also a Phonelink Counselling Service from 3.30pm-5pm. Phone 8201 2118.

Free Confidential Counselling for Medical Students

Dr Susan O'Brien has worked as a GP and family therapist. She is not involved in teaching or course assessment.

A weekly session is available on Monday Afternoons between 1pm and 5pm in Flinders Medical Centre. Appointments of up to one hour can be made by phoning the Health, Counselling and Disability Service on 82012118. When booking this session, say that you are a medical student and the receptionist will give you directions to the counselling location.

Further information 

Need help now

Contact details for other services

Who are we ... 

  • Andrew Wood, BSW MSocSc GradDipFamTh
    Head of Counselling Service and Counsellor
  • Anne Hayes, BA (Hons) DipEd M Psych(Ed) MAPS
    Counsellor/Student Equal Opportunity Advisor
  • Narelle Lieschke, BSW
    Counsellor
  • Roei Plaves, B.Psych (hons), M. Psych (Clin)
    Counsellor
  • Andrea Rohde, BA (Hons) BSW MBus (Admin Mgt) Grad Cert Mediat
    Counsellor
  • Lisa Shanahan BSc (Psych) Hons, Grad Dip Educ, M. Psych (Clin), PhD (NUI Galway)
    Counsellor
  • Ben Smith, BA, BSW
    Counsellor
  • Nicola Williams, BSW, BSocSci (CommServ)
    Counsellor
  • Helen Herreen
    Finance and administration
  • Chris Crichton
    Reception and administration
  • Clair Pavey
    Reception and administration

What is counselling?

Counselling is a collaborative process where the counsellor and student work together to understand and resolve an issue that is causing concern. The counsellor acts as a facilitator in this confidential process, and has a range of resources to assist students.

Why do students come for counselling?

Students attend for a number of different reasons, including:

Academic issues

  • time management / procrastination
  • exam anxiety
  • presentation anxiety
  • support for extensions and supplementary examination applications
  • assistance with retrospective withdrawal and HECS remission applications
  • academic planning
  • disability accommodations.

Personal issues

  • Relationship breakups
  • Low self-confidence
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Stress management
  • Problem solving / decision making
  • Managing a crisis 
  • Bullying

 Need help now?

If you feel you are in immediate physical danger, telephone:

  • 24 Hour Emergency Services (police, ambulance, fire) – 000
  • Police non-urgent contact number – 13 14 44
  • Campus security – extension 12880
If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, telephone:
  • 24 hour Mental Health Triage Service - 131 465

Other services

  • Lifeline (24 hours): 13 11 14
    Telephone crisis counselling and support
  • Crisis Care (4pm-9am): 13 16 11
    Telephone crisis counselling and support
  • Domestic Violence Helpline (24 hours): 1800 800 098
    Telephone counselling for victims of DV and people who commit DV
  • Yarrow Place Rape and Sexual Assault Service: 8226 8787 (24 hours); 1800 817 421 (toll free)
    Information and support service for people who have been raped or sexually assaulted
  • Alcohol and Drug Information Service (24 hours): 1300 13 13 40
    Telephone information, counselling and referral service for anyone concerned about drug or alcohol use
  • Youth Healthline: 1300 13 17 19; 8303 1691 (mobile ph callers - standard rates apply)
    Telephone counselling, support and information for young people aged 12-25
  • Mensline (24 hours): 1300 78 99 78
    Telephone support, information and referral service helping men deal with relationship problems
  • Women's Information Service: 8303 0590; 1800 188 158
    Office hours information and referral service for all women in South Australia

Want to know more?

If you would like to know more about a particular problem or concern, you may find information on our self-help pages or on one of the web sites listed on our useful links page.

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