Wellbeing, safety and counselling

Free, confidential counselling and specialist support for whatever you're facing.

Health and wellbeing

How to access counselling

We offer specialist counselling support, including dedicated counsellors for First Nations students and those impacted by gender-based violence.

  • Face-to-face — on any of our campuses, including regional locations
  • Online — by video from wherever you are
  • By phone — talk things through without a screen

Counselling is short-term, usually a few sessions. If you need more, we'll help you find the right support.

Have an enquiry? Email counselling@adelaide.edu.au 

Book a counselling appointment Common questions

Out-of-hours crisis support

Free and confidential 

Talk or text about anything affecting your wellbeing

Available to all currently-enrolled students

  • Weekdays: 5pm–9am
  • Weekends & public holidays: 24 hours
Call 1300 107 441 Text 0488 884 163

Find the right support 

The support you need will change throughout your studies. Pick the situation that fits best right now.

  • Call Triple Zero (000) for ambulance, fire or police emergencies 
  • Go to your nearest hospital emergency department 
  • Contact Mental Health Triage on 13 14 65 (available 24/7) 
  • Call Lifeline on 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support) 
  • If you're outside Australia, contact your local emergency or crisis service, or a hospital

For after-hours University crisis support, see the crisis line above.

  • Call Yarrow Place Rape and Sexual Assault Service on 1800 817 421 (free and confidential, 24/7)
  • For police assistance, call 131 444
  • Our team has specialist counsellors. Book online or email counselling@adelaide.edu.au.

If you have a disability, impairment, chronic health condition or significant caring responsibilities, an Access Plan can put adjustments in place to support your study.

Kurraka Counselling is a free, confidential service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. It's a safe, private space to talk about anything affecting your study or personal life.

Email kurraka@adelaide.edu.au to ask any questions or arrange support. A counsellor will get back to you.

Our counsellors offer inclusive, affirming support, and you can ask for a counsellor you feel comfortable with when you book.

For community, peer support and resources, visit the LGBTQIA+ support and community page (coming soon). For anonymous peer support any time, call QLife on 1800 184 527.

Yes. Call Student Assist on 1300 877 903 or email counselling@adelaide.edu.au.  We'll connect you with the right person.

We may be able to support your application. What you'll need depends on your situation:

  • Medical reasons: supporting evidence from your treating GP.
  • Death of a relative: a copy of the death certificate or funeral notice many be required.
  • Another personal reason: email counselling@adelaide.edu.au for a support letter.

Appointments are 50 minutes. You'll talk through what's going on and work with your counsellor on a plan forward.  

Yes. We'll send:

  • an SMS to the Australian mobile number on your student record
  • an email to your student email address

Need to reschedule? 

Your sessions are confidential. We won't share your information outside Student Wellbeing and Safety without your permission, except where:

  • we reasonably believe you or someone else is at risk
  • we're legally required to (a court subpoena, or if you're under 18)
  • the University needs to seek legal advice.

Our counsellors are registered psychologists or social workers and follow their professional codes of conduct. Session records are stored securely.

Other crisis and emergency numbers (24/7)

  • Emergency or immediate danger → 000
  • Any campus security concern or distressing incident → University Security 1800 500 911
  • Sexual assault → Yarrow Place 1800 817 421
  • Mental health crisis → SA Health Mental Health Triage Service 13 14 65
  • Someone to talk to → Lifeline 13 11 14
  • Police (non‑emergency) → 13 14 44