To book an appointment: please phone the reception team on 03 369 4444 and request an appointment with a counsellor, or our duty counsellor if your need is more urgent.

Our highly trained counsellors offer free brief intervention counselling for all students at University of Canterbury. All staff have a particular interest in supporting students and a strong understanding of the university environment. They have varied backgrounds and a wide range of experiences. You do not have to be enrolled at the Health Centre to access this. If you need long term or intensive therapy, we are likely to refer you to external services.

 Our 50 minute sessions provide a supportive space to talke about challenges such as anxiety, low mood, study stress, grief, relationships, and much more.  

We also have some duty counsellor appointments available most days for urgent assessments. 

Confidentiality

Our counselling service is confidental. No information is passed on to the University or elsewhere without your knowledge. Our counsellors may, with your consent, share your care with the medical staff or may refer you to a psychiatric service if necessary. If we are concerned about your or others safety we will contact the appropriate supports 

In An Emergency

If you immedicate concerns about yourself or other's safety, please seek urgent help:

• Call 111 for an ambulance
• Urgent Mental Health Support (Crisis Team) 0800 920 092

If you need support:

• Lifeline - call 0800 543 354 or free text 4357
• Suicide Crisis Helpline 0508 828 865 or free text 1737

Charges 

All domestic Canterbury University students are eligible for our counselling service. International students are usually covered for counselling under their insurance policy.

• If you cancel your appointment with less than 24 hours notice you may be charged a fee of $10 (unless due to sickness) 
• If you miss your appointment without cancelling first you may be charged a fee of $20 (unless due to an emergency)

More Information

• Healthify: trusted online information on a wide range of health topics
• CALM: An online programme for building mental health resilience
• www.depression.org.nz: offers understanding, validation and practical advice for those navigating depression and anxiety
• Youthline: Useful information and downloadable leaflets on a wide range of topics for young people