Need to speak to someone

Alongside counselling we provide a range of support services that may be helpful to you. Before booking a counselling assessment, if you have not already seen your Student Support and Guidance Tutor (SSGT) you may wish to contact them as they are likely to be able to see you sooner. SSGTs cannot provide counselling but they can provide support and guidance on a wide range of issues impacting on your studies and/or your mental health and wellbeing.

To enable us to understand your situation and how we can help, please, book an assessment appointment with one of our qualified counsellors/therapists. Please note that you will need to wait for an appointment, so if you want to speak with someone sooner we recommend that you get in touch with your Student Support and Guidance Tutor, our Residential Wellbeing Team (if living in university halls), our Disability and Learning Support team or visit one of our Student Information Desks.

During your appointment we will listen to you and assess your situation. We can then talk to you about how to access the support you need. This could include short-term counselling, a referral to one of our other support services or an external referral to a specialist local or national service if appropriate.

IMPORTANT: The Counselling Service is not for emergencies. If you need urgent or emergency support, please call 999 or go to your nearest hospital with an Accident and Emergency (A&E) Department. If you are concerned about an immediate risk of harm either to yourself or to someone else, you can also ring your doctor for an emergency appointment.

Should you need to speak to someone quickly or outside of university opening hours, you can also call The Samaritans or NHS 111. If you are suffering a mental health crisis, please contact Mental Health Rapid Response Service (MHRRS) who are available 24/7; Telephone 0300 304 0078 or MHRRS website.

If you are studying remotely outside of the UK, check our advice.

Book a counselling assessment

What can I expect from counselling?

Our team of qualified and trainee therapists can provide time-limited counselling to help you overcome difficulties and hopefully enjoy better mental health and wellbeing throughout your studies.

This will include a one to one assessment session to understand your needs and then up to 3 follow on counselling sessions. This offer can be negotiated if needed.

A counsellor won't tell you what to do. Instead, they will offer support and understanding, and listen and respond in a non-judgemental, non-critical way. This can empower you to find your balance so you can achieve the most from your university experience.

All University of Brighton counsellors abide by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy's (BACP's) Ethical Framework for Good Practice.

How can counselling help me?

Benefits

We can support you in overcoming barriers to achieving your potential at university, empowering you to make informed choices in your academic and personal life.

Counselling offers you the opportunity to talk about how you feel and to share your concerns. It is a positive move towards taking responsibility for your wellbeing, tackling your problems and taking control of your situation.

Most people would benefit from counselling at one point or another. It can help you to sort through a variety of personal, relationship and identity problems, including but not limited to anxiety, stress, depression and bereavement.

Speak to a counsellor

If you would like to learn more about the support on offer – and possibly speak to a counsellor – take the first step and register.

Self-referral options

We work closely with our partner agencies in the community therefore may signpost you onto longer term support with them. You may wish to self-refer to the following agencies to avoid duplication of waiting times and advice:

Health in Mind (HIM)

Are you experiencing symptoms such as stress, anxiety and depression? If so HIM is a free NHS service for anyone in East Sussex, experiencing these kind of emotions or psychological difficulties. Offers range from self-guided support, to longer term conditions including CBT and trauma treatment.

You can self-refer on the HIM website.

Brighton & Hove Wellbeing Service (BHWS)

BHWS is a free NHS service who offers therapeutic support through a number of treatments. They treat those experiencing mild to moderate depression, anxiety, compulsive disorders through to canine therapy, self help and group work.

You can self-refer on the BHWS website.

Contact us

You can contact us by calling your local Student Centre or emailing counselling@brighton.ac.uk.

What if I am studying remotely outside of the UK?

We know that some of our students are studying outside of the UK. We will continue to offer emotional and wellbeing support where possible, and recommend that you get in touch with your SSGT as a first point of contact.

student using a laptop to apply for clearing

Additional support

Our list of useful contacts (pdf) features external organisations offering support on issues that may affect you during your time at university.

You may also find our self-help resources useful. These resources include free, 24/7 access to the online mental health community Togetherall, which provides a safe space online to get things off your chest, explore your feelings, get creative and learn how to self-manage your mental health and wellbeing.