Access Counselling

Counselling Support is available to students at the University of Adelaide to help them address concerns that impact their study and life.

Counselling information

What if I'm temporarily studying offshore?

It is not possible to address all student issues remotely, as our counsellors are unable to access additional services you may need in your country. Counselling Support can assist you in understanding what types of support you may need as well as providing assistance on practical issues. Such as issues related to study management, time management strategies, planning your study or assisting you to contact course coordinators.
How do I access counselling if I'm enrolled in a fully online postgraduate program?

Fully Online Postgraduate Courses

To learn more about counselling options, speak to your SSA on 1300 296 648 (Monday to Thursday, 8.30am–5pm ACST/ACDT, Friday, 8.30am–4.30pm ACST/ACDT) or book an appointment with the online program counselling team via one of the following channels:

Phone: 1800 512 155 (24/7)

SMS service: +61 439 449 876 (24/7)

Email: info@assureprograms.com.au
What if my issue is urgent?
Our Triage and Assessment Advisors (TAAs) are available Monday to Friday between the hours of 9:00 am to 5:00 pm for urgent issues. Outside of these hours, students are encouraged to contact the following services for support:

The University Crisis Line on 1300 167 654 or text on 0488 884 197

Lifeline: 13 11 14

Suicide Callback: 1300 659 467

Mental Health Triage: 13 14 65

Urgent Mental Health Care Centre
Will I receive a reminder for my appointment?
Yes, you will receive a reminder message.

When you book your very first appointment with a Student Life service, a staff member will ask you if you prefer a text message OR an email reminder for your Student Life appointments.

SMS reminders

SMS are sent to Australian mobile numbers only

Do not reply to the SMS - if you have any queries regarding your appointment, or you would like to change your appointment, please contact the relevant support service
North Terrace / Waite +61 8 8313 5663

Roseworthy +61 8 8313 7932

By letting us know that you can't keep your appointment allows us to give it to another student. Please be mindful that when rescheduling at busy times of the year, our service demand is higher and there may be a delay in when you can next see a counsellor.

Email reminders

Messages are sent from the studentlife@adelaide.edu.au email address

You can reply to the email reminder
What can I expect at my first appointment?

Your first appointment with a counsellor will be an assessment session to discuss your concerns in a supportive and confidential environment. A lot of students find that one session is enough to meet their current needs. Other students may require a limited number of follow up appointments or be referred to other appropriate services. This is dependent on your needs and what you and your counsellor agree would be helpful.

COVID-19 adjustments

Please note that in the current times we are adhering to regulations and guidelines put forward to us via the University of Adelaide and SA Health in relation to the current COVID-19 situation locally and Australia wide.

At times face to face appointments may need to be changed to a phone or virtual appointment type. Students will be notified if changes are due to occur.
Can a counsellor help me with supporting documentation for my studies?

Students who have engaged with a counsellor either recently or in an ongoing capacity, may speak with their counsellor about potentially providing supporting documentation.

It is recommended that students who have not seen a counsellor before, seek the support of an external health professional who is aware of their situation (e.g. GP, psychologist). If you are a student attending counselling for the first time and requesting supporting documentation, please be aware that we may not be able to provide you with the requested paperwork. You are still welcome to book an appointment with a counsellor if you require support with your situation generally.
Is what I tell my counsellor confidential?
Yes, our counsellors will not discuss your personal information or attendance details with anyone outside of the service unless you have provided us with permission to do so. Exceptions to this are:

If there is a legal requirement for us to do so

We have a reasonable belief that there is a risk to your health or safety or that of another person

It is necessary for the University to obtain legal advice if your file is subpoenaed by a court of law

You are welcome to refer to our confidentiality and privacy statement for further details.

Registering with our service

Register for an appointment with the Counselling Support service if you are new to the service or it is more than 3 months since you had contact with us. Online Counselling Registration form is available to be completed from Monday 9:00am to Thursday 5:00pm and Friday 9:00am to 4:00pm.

If you have seen one of our counsellors within the last 3 months then you are already registered and you are not required to fill in the Online Counselling Registration form. In this instance please contact the service directly to arrange an appointment.

Service sites

North Terrace / Waite - +61 8 8313 5663
Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences building - +61 8 8313 5663 (1-4 pm as face to face, 5-7 pm phone/virtual)
Wirltu Yarlu - +61 8 8313 3623 / +61 8 8313 5663
Roseworthy - +61 8 8313 7932