​Fre​quently Asked Questions

​​​The Counselling Services and Wellness Office provides a range of mental health services and programs to cater to your holistic wellness at AKU.​ 

What type of help can I get from the Counselling Services and Wellness Office?

​We believe in adopting a proactive and holistic approach to mental health. You can register for our workshops or check our online self-help resources to learn more about topics pertaining to holistic wellness and to enhance your coping skills. If you are particularly concerned or distressed about something personal, then you can get appointment for a confidential one to one session for psychological or psychiatric support. You also have the option to use peer support by talking to a senior member of Aurora, the student mental health body at AKU.​​

What is the difference between a Psychiatrist and a Clinical Psychologist?

​Psychiatrists are medical doctors who treat mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders primarily using medication and sometimes psychotherapy. Clinical psychologists are experts in human behaviour and are concerned with relieving mental distress or disorders as well as promoting personal wellbeing. They provide help by using various techniques of psychotherapy and counselling.​

Psychiatrists can prescribe medications, psychologists cannot. Psychologists and psychiatrists work in tandem to treat mental illness from both a behavioral and clinical standpoint.




Who is eligible to use Counseling and Wellness Services?

​Currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students, as well as medical trainees are eligible to receive counselling services.​

How much does it cost?

​Counselling and all wellness programs/workshops are free to all current students and trainees. Nothing gets deducted from your health fund. Psychiatric care for students is covered by student health insurance.​


Why should I seek Counselling Services?

​Students seek counselling services mostly to deal with unpleasant feelings, negative thinking and unproductive behaviour patterns. When these persist over a period of time, they eventually make it difficult to feel happy and function effectively in personal, social and occupational situations. Common reasons for seeking counselling include intense or constant stress, anxiety or sadness; low self-esteem; feelings of loneliness; adjustment issues; difficulty in managing work-life balance; relationship problems; recurring and upsetting thoughts; sleep problems; eating disorders; substance abuse and suicidal ideation. You may also seek counselling if you are unsure about a particular decision or need help with goal-setting and motivation. 




Do I need to have a mental illness to seek counselling?

​Not at all. Mental health is not an absence of illness only. It is our ability to enjoy a happy and productive life while meeting life’s challenges successfully. People who do not have any mental illness see a counsellor to find better ways of dealing with emotional distress and to cope with overwhelming or stressful circumstances in life. It is better to seek counselling early so that minor concerns do not turn into major problems.
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If I go for counselling, does this information become part of my academic records?

​No. Counselling records are kept confidential and are not shared with the University. Information pertaining to your diagnosis and medication goes into your medical file when you visit the psychiatrist, but is not shared with anyone except designated health personnel. These records do not go into your student file.


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Are there any limits to confidentiality?

​Generally counselling sessions are completely confidential. However, confidentiality cannot be maintained when there is an acute risk to your or someone else’s life or damage of property. Even in such situations, care is taken to limit involvement to only those personnel who are officially designated to manage such issues.  ​

How long will I have to wait for an appointment?

​Appointment is generally given within a week of contacting the counselling office at a time that is mutually suitable. Later appointments are given according to the need and mutual consent of both the counsellor and the student/trainee. ​

What can I expect if I contact Counselling Services?

​When you contact us, you will be greeted by a compassionate and non-judgmental counsellor willing to listen to you. You will be asked to relate your reason for seeking counselling and to share relevant information. Boundaries of counselling will be discussed with you. Objectives for planning future course of action will be mutually defined.


What will others think if they find out I am seeking psychological help?

​Seeking psychological help is just like seeking any other professional help to bring about better changes in yourself or your life. It implies that you made a proactive decision to get hold on your problems and to improve your ability to function. It can be compared to visiting a doctor to get treatment for a wound, or to learn exercises from the physiotherapist to regain movement, or asking a nutritionist for the most suitable diet plan to lose weight. If someone makes a negative remark about you seeking psychological help, it only shows their lack of awareness and respect, and you may want to use this situation as an opportunity to help correct their understanding. If you remain concerned about it, remember to discuss it with your counsellor.


If I begin counselling or psychotherapy, how should I try to gain the most from it?

​Counselling/therapy is a collaborative process which works well when you and your therapist communicate openly and try to establish a good working relationship. Be clear with your therapist about your concerns that may arise. Therapy works best when you attend all scheduled sessions, work on the strategies discussed, and give some thought as to what you want to discuss during the upcoming session.


What if I'm concerned about a friend?

​You may sometimes be concerned about a colleague or friend who are having difficulty maintaining their wellbeing. This involves more urgent situations that require immediate help, such as someone considering suicide, and less urgent situations, like concerning changes in someone’s behavior, appearance and personality. To be sure if the person needs help and what procedure should you follow, please read the mental health crisis algorithms, and if you are not sure how to approach and talk to the person, please see the referral guide.