Mental Health Support for Students

The University of Newcastle continues to prioritise student mental health and wellbeing through a wide range of accessible and free services. In 2025, this included counselling, Wellbeing Advisors, after-hours support, digital resources and active mental health promotion.

Active mental health promotion and student support in 2025

In January–March 2025, the University’s Counselling and Wellbeing (CAPS) team provided more than 2,800 student appointments, approximately 25% of them by telehealth. Most students were contacted within 48 hours of requesting support, while satisfaction ratings consistently exceeded 9 out of 10, reflecting strong student engagement with the service.st students were contacted within 48 hours of requesting support, and satisfaction ratings consistently exceeded 9 out of 10. These figures demonstrate substantial service use in 2025.

The University actively promoted positive mental health through University Mental Health Day activities from 6 to 8 May 2025 at Callaghan and NUspace. The programme brought together University counselling and health promotion staff with organisations including headspace and Batyr, offering opportunities for students to discuss mental health, participate in creative activities promoting mindfulness and social connection, and learn about available support services.

Free, confidential counselling and timely advice

The University of Newcastle provides free, confidential counselling and wellbeing services to support enrolled students experiencing personal, emotional or study-related difficulties. Students can book an initial consultation with a Wellbeing Advisor, often available within one to two days. Advisors help students identify their needs, explore practical strategies and access further support, including referrals to University Counsellors or other appropriate services.

Counselling appointments are available face-to-face across University campuses or remotely via Zoom or telephone, ensuring students studying off campus or undertaking placements can also access support.

After-hours crisis support and peer connection

To further support students outside of regular hours, an after-hours phone support service is available, providing immediate assistance during evenings and weekends. Qualified crisis support specialists can listen, help manage distress and guide students to appropriate services. Students can call after hours between 5 pm and 9 am on weekdays and at any time on weekends, public holidays and University close-down periods. The line offers short-term support rather than ongoing therapy.

In January–March 2025, the University Crisis Line received 103 calls, about one-third of which required active crisis support. The University also funded free student access to TalkCampus, an anonymous, multilingual peer-support app with around-the-clock moderation. TalkCampus recorded 9,660 student sessions in the same quarter, averaging seven minutes per interaction; four high-risk cases were escalated to clinical care. TalkCampus is operated by a third-party provider, rather than by University counsellors.

Resources, workshops and pathways to care

A comprehensive suite of digital resources is also provided to help students proactively manage and improve their mental health, including Study and Wellbeing Resources. Resources published in April 2025 addressed stress, anxiety, sleep, relationships, grief and depression. Student workshops and groups also build coping skills and social connection.

Students can also view the video below introducing the Counselling service and follow links to appointments, after-hours care and student workshops.

Our student support was available throughout 2025. Accessible care, early intervention and wellbeing education help students manage challenges and participate confidently in university life.