Counselling
Studying can be fun and exciting but can also bring challenges as you adjust to a new environment. Our Counsellors are trained professionals who are here to provide you free, confidential counselling to help you manage personal, academic or emotional issues. They can even help you when you don’t know what the problem is!
If you experience any of the issues listed below - or have a problem that you can’t describe yet - meeting with a counsellor can help.
- Personal issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, homesickness
- Difficulty with behaviours like sleep, eating, self-harm, and drug, alcohol or internet use
- Academic concerns or other problems that stop you from doing well in your study or attending classes
- Relationship difficulties or conflicts with family, friends or peers
- Culture shock and other difficulties adjusting to change or settling into your new life
What happens in counselling?
Our counsellors will:
- listen without judgement
- help you manage your difficulties
- work with you to develop better ways of coping and problem solving
- refer you to external counselling services if your issues require ongoing support (Monash College provides short-term counselling)
This conversation is private so your counsellor will not talk about your problems to others.
- Make a counselling appointment
- Counselling hours and locations
- Wellbeing resources
- After hours and emergency support
- Looking after your mental health
- Support outside Australia
To make an appointment to speak with a counsellor, please head to the Counselling Portal here, and follow the instructions below:
Please note:
- You will receive a text message appointment reminder one hour before your appointment time
- Appointments usually take about 45 minutes
- Make a time to talk with a counsellor when you don’t have class
- You can also log on to the Counselling Portal to change or cancel appointments you no longer need
Counsellors are available for face-to-face appointments at the locations below or online via Zoom.
Appointments are available Monday to Friday between the hours of 9:30am and 4:30pm.
If you are feeling stressed, anxious or experiencing any personal or psychological problems, please make an appointment via the Counselling Portal.
Bourke St Campus appointments
222 Bourke St Campus, Level 3
Counsellor: Dr Megan Brownlie: Room 3.23.
Counsellor: Fereshta Rasé: Room 3.05
Counsellor: Carlyn Setia: Room 3.05
Managing worry | Worries, doubts and anxieties are an unavoidable part of life. Although we can’t predict the future, we can learn to accept the things outside of our control and learn skills to help us cope better with the situation. | |
Managing exam stress | Exam time can bring feelings of worry, stress and increased pressure to meet your own or your family’s expectations. While it’s common to experience greater levels of stress during exam time, it’s important to be able to manage these feelings in order to perform at your best. | |
Tips for healthy sleep habits | With healthy sleep habits, you can be the best version of yourself. Good sleep leads to better brain function which means improved concentration, focus and memory for study. It also improves physical health and mental health, helping you manage negative emotions and cope better with life’s challenges. | |
Procrastination | Sometimes, we delay doing an important task and choose to do something else instead. Putting things off or leaving them to the last minute can impact us negatively as it increases our stress and makes the task seem even more daunting. Here are some tips to stop procrastination, improve your motivation and focus using mindfulness. | |
Mindful exercise | It’s normal to have thousands of random thoughts pop into your mind every day. However, it’s difficult to focus when you keep getting ‘hooked’ by them. The good news is that you can use mindfulness to train yourself to focus on the tasks you need to, improve your sleep and manage difficult emotions without being so distracted by your thoughts, feelings or urges. | |
Managing low mood |
It’s normal to experience low mood from time to time and it does not always mean something is wrong. If you are feeling low for longer periods of time or finding your low mood unmanageable, it is important to speak to your doctor or one of the Monash College counsellors for support. Below are some signs
that you may be experiencing low mood and some easy and small changes you can make to start improving how you feel. | |
Connecting with others | Social connectedness, or being close and belonging with others, is a basic human need. Research has shown that social connectedness can reduce loneliness and have benefits for our mental and physical health. Some studies have found that strong social relationships can even help you live longer! Here are a few ways you can improve your social connectedness. | |
Tips for wellbeing | Wellbeing refers to the state of being comfortable, healthy and happy. Taking care of your wellbeing can help to enhance your overall quality of life. Below are some evidence-based ways to improve your wellbeing. | |
Building self confidence | With self-confidence you trust your abilities, feel worthy and accept yourself (including accepting your weaknesses, flaws and mistakes). You’ll enjoy life more and worry less about what others think of you. Use the strategies below to develop healthy habits that boost self-confidence. | |
Creating new healthy habits | We all know what it’s like to start a new habit and then give up. We need to repeat a new habit often enough for it to become part of our daily routine. Use the strategies below to stick to your plan and develop healthy habits! | |
Dealing with disappointment | Whether it’s a failed exam or a result you weren’t quite expecting, disappointment about your academic performance can be difficult to deal with. Below are some strategies you can use to help you manage disappointment when it comes up and help you to move forward faster. | |
Improve your focus | If you find it difficult to concentrate when studying, try these science-based strategies to develop your attention skills. |
For counselling after hours, on weekends or term holidays, students can contact any of the services below:
- External 24-hour phone counselling for Monash students if ringing from within Australia 1300 788 336, if ringing from other countries +61 2 8295 2917
- Student after-hours assistance hotline on 1800 725 315 - this will provide any assistance, not just counselling, outside of normal business hours.
For support outside that offered by Monash
- Crisis support and suicide prevention - Lifeline on 13 11 14, or counselling with translation on 131 450. Ask to talk to Lifeline in your language. Calls at the cost of a local call from a landline and additional charges apply for mobiles.
- Beyond Blue - 1300 224 636
- Suicide prevention - Suicideline on 1300 651 251
- Support for teens and young adults - Kidshelpline on 1800 551 800
- Sexual assault - Sexual Assault Crisis Line on 1800 806 292 or 9349 1766
- Sexual assault and family violence - 1800Respect on 1800 737 732
- Men with family and relationship concerns - MensLine on 1300 789 978
- Drugs, alcohol and gambling - Turning Point on 1800 888 236
- Gambling problems - Gambler's Help on 1800 858 858
There are many actions you can take to look after your wellbeing and physical/mental health. Check out the information below for ideas, strategies and online resources that can help.
- Learn more about Taking care of your mental health at home
- Find out about the importance of having a routine
- Learn how to manage uncertainty and anxiety or watch the video here.
- Find out more about stress management or watch the video here
- Find out about mindfulness or watch the video here
- Learn how to overcome procrastination or watch the video here.
- Find out how you can practise gratitude or watch our video here
- See our tips for Healthy sleep habits and sleep re-training or watch our video here.
- Learn some handy tips to build your self-confidence.
Using technology to support positive mental health
There are many ways to improve your mental health. Apps are a great way to keep you motivated, on track and on top of your mental health and well being. Here are some FREE apps to get your started!
IMPROVE OVERALL WELLBEING
Smiling Mind![]() | This meditation app offers a range of helpful mindfulness exercises to help increase your awareness, engage your senses, manage your emotions and 'unhook' from your thoughts. | Download the app via the apple store.
Download the app via the Android store. |
WellMind ![]() | This useful app provides tips on improving your mental health and boosting well-being. | Download the app via the apple store.
Download the app via the Android store. |
Grateful- A Gratitude Journal | This app helps you reflect on what has made you happy or you are thankful for each day in a simple | Download the app via the apple store. Not available for Android devices. |
ReachOut Breathe - ![]() | This helpful app allows you to reduce the physical symptoms of stress and anxiety by learning how to slow down your breathing and heart rate. | Download the app via the apple store. Not available for Android devices. |
Mindshift | Feeling anxious? This app helps you take active steps to manage your anxiety by offering more helpful ways of thinking and strategies to help you learn to relax. | Download the app via the apple store. Download the app via the Android store. |
ReachOut Worry time | This useful app helps you note down worries you have during the day which you can return to during a set 'worry time' allowing you to better manage persistent thoughts. | Download the app via the apple store. Download the app via the Android store. |
Breakup Shakeup | This app provides a range of helpful strategies to cope after a break up. It helps you plan activities that promote well-being and social support. | Download the app via the apple store. Not available for Android devices. |
Calm Harm | This helpful app provides useful strategies to manage the urge to self harm. It is completely private and password protected. | Download the app via the apple store. Download the app via the Android store. |
Recharge | This great app helps track your sleep schedule and mood daily, provides weekly reports to help you stay on track of your sleep cycle. | Download the app via the apple store. Not available for Android devices. |
Sleep Cycle |
Wake up feeling refreshed with this app as it monitors your sleep cycle and wakes you up during your lightest sleep phase. | Download the app via the apple store. Download the app via the Android store. |
EGENDA | This great app helps you manage all your homework, assignments and class schedule with daily reminders. | Download the app via the apple store. Not available for Android devices. |
Habit Bull | This app helps you get organised, create positive habits and routines and set daily goals. | Download the app via the apple store. Download the app via the Android store. |
The Check- in | This app provides you with the tools to check in with a friend you may be concerned about. | Download the app via the apple store. Download the app via the Android store. |
Although we cannot provide individual counselling appointments to students outside of Australia, we can provide a range of other counselling supports to you.
- You are welcome to email us so we can direct you to suitable resources and support. Other resources can also be found on the previous tab labelled Looking after your mental health.
- You can also attend any of the Counselling workshops and activities we provide by zoom. The best places to find the latest information about Counselling events and other support services is on College Connect and in the Student Services weekly Newsletter.
Monash students have access to an external 24-hour phone counselling service.
From Australia: 1300 788 336
From Malaysia: 1800 818 356 (toll free)
From Italy: 800 791 847 (toll free)
From other countries: +61 2 8295 2917
For students studying outside of Australia refer to our list of international mental health supports below:
You are encouraged to research the services in your home country. We provide the below for information purposes only. Monash College does not approve or endorse the services or the accuracy or suitability of the websites or their content. The links to third-party websites are provided for convenience only and may not be current. Monash College is not responsible for the contents of the linked websites. Users access those websites, and rely on the material contained in the third party websites, at their own risk. Third-party websites should have their own Terms of Use, which we encourage users to read.
Bangladesh
Kaan Pete Roi | Emotional Support Helpline. Phone or Email. |
3pm-3am, Thursday 3pm-9pm, Friday-Wednesday info@shuni.org http://shuni.org/ |
Cambodia
Bamboo Centre | Psychological Services in Phnom Penh | https://www.thebamboocentre.com/ |
Transcultural Psychosocial Organization (TPO) | Mental healthcare and psychosocial support. | Mon-Fri 8am-12pm and 1-4pm 023 63 66 991 |
China
Beijing Suicide Research & Prevention Centre |
Beijing Psychological Assistance Hotline
24 hours 7 days a week |
800-810-1117 (landline users) 010-82951332 (mobile phone users) http://www.crisis.org.cn/ |
Lifeline Shanghai | Provides free, confidential and anonymous information and emotional support via telephone. 10am-10pm, 365 days a year | (021) 6279- 8990 |
South East University China | Student and Staff Assistance Program | +86 512 62872219 |
Hong Kong
The Samaritans Hong Kong | 24 hour multilingual suicide prevention hotline. |
2896 0000 https://samaritans.org.hk/ |
Suicide Prevention Services | 24 hour suicide prevention hotline |
2382 0000 https://www.sps.org.hk/ |
The Mental Health Association of Hong Kong | Counselling Service & Information Hotline |
India
iCALL |
Free telephone and email-based counselling services, to individuals in emotional and psychological distress.
Mon - Sat: 8:00 am to 10:00 pm |
022-25521111 http://icallhelpline.org/ |
Vandrevala Foundation | 24/7 Mental Health Helpline |
1860 2662 345 https://www.vandrevalafoundation.com/ |
Indonesia
IPK Indonesia
Ikatan Psikolog Klinis Indonesia |
Free online counselling by region, delivered by Clinical Psychologists
Mental Health information and resources Information on available psychological services |
+62811-265-1261 https://covid19.ipkindonesia.or.id/ |
Into the Light |
Information on accessing Mental Health Professional Services
Mental Health information and resources | https://www.intothelightid.org/tentang-bunuh-diri/layanan-konseling-psikolog-psikiater/ |
Japan
Tell Lifeline Japan |
Free confidential telephone support nationwide
9am -11pm daily |
03-5774-0992 https://telljp.com/ |
Utsu | Information about depression, symptoms and support options | https://utsu.ne.jp/ |
Malaysia
Befrienders Kuala Lumpur | 24 hour hotline providing emotional support for those in distress |
03-7956 8145 https://www.befrienders.org.my/ |
Lifeline Malaysia |
Telephone counselling Mon: 10am-12pm & 2pm-4pm Tue: 10am-12pm Fri: 10am-12pm & 2pm-4pm Sat: 2pm-5pm |
+60 3-4265 7995 www.lifeline.org.my |
Monash University Malaysia | Mental Health Hotline | +60 124 311 562 |
Singapore
Institute of Mental Health National Healthcare Group | 24-Hour Mental Health Crisis Line | 6389 2222 |
National CARE Hotline | 24/7 National Care Hotline to help anyone facing stress or anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic | 6202 6868 |
Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) | Confidential 24 Hour Hotline providing emotional support for those in distress. |
1800 221 4444 https://www.sos.org.sg/ |
The Brahm Centre |
Assistline – Confidential emotional support via telephone
Mindfulness information |
6655 0000 (Weekdays 9am-6pm) 8823 0000 (After hours) http://brahmcentre.com/ |
Sri Lanka
National Institute of Mental Health, Sri Lanka | Mental Health Hospital | 0112-578234 |
CCC Foundation | Telephone counselling service that provides emotional support and guidance for people facing difficult times. Free and nationwide. | 1333 (Weekdays 8am-5pm) |
South Korea
Korea Youth Counselling Centre | 24/7 Counselling centre for youth. Phone or online counselling, text and SNS options are available. |
1388 https://www.cyber1388.kr:447/ |
Lifeline Korea | 24/7 Phone counselling service |
1588 9191 https://www.lifeline.or.kr/ |
Thailand
Samaritans Thailand | Telephone Counselling Support | Bangkok (02) 713-6791 (English call back service within 24 hours), 24/7 Chiang Mai |
Department of Mental Health Hotline | Government Organisation providing telephone counselling support. |
1323 24 hours 7 days a week |
Vietnam
Mai Huong Day Psychiatric Hospital | Hanoi public hospital offering a range of medical, psychological and psychiatric services. |
043.6275762 To enquire about services and costs http://www.maihuong.gov.vn/ |