How to Use the Service

Any student of Birmingham University may 'self refer' for counselling services by filling in a brief self referral form at the SSCS reception. Students may also be referred by their tutor or GP.

Routine Appointments

An initial appointment is sent to students within 48 hours of completion of their self referral form. This appointment is always the first available appointment and is usually within seven days from time of referral though at peak times it may be longer. The maximum wait for an appointment is fourteen days.

Urgent Appointments

A rota system ensures that there is a Counsellor on consultation duty during normal service hours to respond to students requiring urgent assistance. These crisis management appointments are brief and allow for either immediate action e.g. referral to medical personnel or follow up by a routine counselling appointment.

The Student Support and Counselling Service (SSCS)

Opening Hours: Monday - Friday Term time 9.00am - 5.00pm Vacation 9.00am - 12.30pm & 1.30pm - 5.00pm

For consultation with, or referral to the Service, please contact the Student Support and Counselling Service reception 0121 414 5130.

Visit the SSCS website

On-line advice

programes run

FAQ's

Student Conduct and Appeals

Please note that the University provides a separate counselling service for staff.

The practice also has a counsellor for non-university patients who does sessions within the practice. See your GP first.

Confidentiality

The Service operates within the Code of Ethics of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy. Students consulting the Service can rely on a professional standard of confidentiality, which protects their identity, communication and records. No information is disclosed to any third party without a student's permission. In the rare event of a student being assessed "at risk" either to themselves or to others and if they are unwilling or unable to take appropriate action themselves, the Service would assume responsibility for acting to ensure the health and safety of an individual or others e.g by seeking medical assistance.