Counselling and mental health support for international students: where to start

In recent years, there has been an increasingly open and tolerant attitude towards discussing mental health at university, but international students can still find it particularly hard to reach out when they need support.

If you’re an international student who would like some help and support for your mental health, you are not alone. Many international students struggle with the huge upheaval of moving countries and the challenge of having to settle into an entirely new culture and, sometimes, communicate in a new language.

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Below is our guide to accessing mental health support at university as an international student.

What barriers do international students face in accessing counselling?

International students can face barriers in getting the support they need for several reasons.

“The stress of adjusting to a foreign culture and a new educational system can make international students particularly vulnerable, and they may come with varying experiences and views on mental health services,” says Kevin G. Shollenberger, vice-provost for student health and well-being at Johns Hopkins University. “Some may be less likely to reach out for needed support due to cultural stigma,” he adds.

“There may be a fear that mental health support may not be relatable or adapted to your community or experience,” says Shuranjeet Singh, who founded Tarakī, an movement working with Punjabi communities to reshape approaches towards mental health.

“If there is a lack of relatability, students can feel disconnected from the person supporting them, which can inhibit improvements in mental health. Talking about mental health and such topics is also hard to do in a second language, which can add an extra barrier to accessing effective care,” he continues.

Luckily, universities are becoming increasingly aware of barriers around accessing support that international students face and are actively working to break them down.

“Universities put a lot of effort into ensuring that their services can meet the needs of a diverse range of students. Alongside this, student societies are actively working to talk about mental health within communities who may not have broached the topic before,” says Singh.

“In tandem, university support services and student peer groups are working together to create an environment where students can be open about their challenges and access support when needed,” he adds.

It’s worth looking into how your university may be supporting international students with specific needs. Many institutions will offer services tailored specifically to international students, such as peer support groups of students from the same country, drop-in sessions for international students to meet university counsellors or counselling referral assistance in your native language.

“At Johns Hopkins University, we have found the more informal opportunities to reach out have been useful for international students. Attending a drop-in chat with a counsellor or opting for online therapy are both popular choices for international students that seem to help break down the barriers,” adds Shollenberger.

What is counselling/therapy?

According to the NHS, counselling is “talking therapy that involves a trained therapist listening to you and helping you find ways to deal with emotional issues”.

In other words, it’s a space where you can talk through your concerns in a safe, confidential environment. This can also be referred to as therapy. This may take place face-to-face or virtually, and you may choose to see a counsellor by yourself or join a counselling group alongside people experiencing similar issues.

Counselling or therapy is a common service that many people will use throughout their lives, not just those with a formally diagnosed mental health illness.

Universities tend to offer a range of mental health support for students, including university counselling services. University counsellors will be highly qualified and will have lots of experience helping with many of the concerns of being a student.

When is it appropriate to seek counselling or support?

There are no steadfast rules as to when it is appropriate to seek support in counselling or other mental health services. You don’t need to be formally diagnosed with a mental health problem to access university support. You can request to access services whenever you feel you need to speak to someone about your feelings.

Admitting that you need some assistance and support is not a sign of weakness or of an inability to cope with university life. Being able to ask for help when you need shows strength, self-awareness and a commitment to looking after yourself.

Will going to counselling affect my grades?

Some students worry that going to counselling or seeking help for their mental health might affect their grades in some way or change how university staff view them.

This is often a particular worry for international students or students from communities where there is a cultural stigma around reaching out in times of emotional stress.

Seeking advice and support from your university’s support team will not affect your grade or academic record in any way.

Counselling services follow strict confidentiality practices to ensure that students have a safe, private environment to share what they’re going through. Information will only ever be shared outside the room with your explicit consent, or if you are at risk of putting yourself or another person in danger. You do not have to tell your academic tutors that you are going to counselling.

Confidentiality practices will be explained to you by whoever you end up seeking support from, and you can always ask for clarification to reassure yourself before you start counselling.

Remember, if you are struggling at university, it’s always a good idea to access support in the early stages as it will be easier for you to manage your problems in the long term. 

Seeking help as soon as you feel you need it is the best way to ensure that whatever you’re going through will not affect your life and your studies for a prolonged period of time.

How do I access counselling at university?

Mental health services are often in high demand at universities, so you may have to wait a little while before you can see a counsellor, which is another good reason not to hesitate to reach out as soon as you first feel you are struggling.

There are several ways you can access support for your mental health as a student:

University support – most universities will explain everything they offer in terms of mental health support on their website, so this is a good first port of call.

International student societies – while student societies might not be able to offer qualified counselling services, peer support programmes or simply speaking to a student with a similar background might help you to find the resources that work best for you.

Your doctor – your doctor should be able to help you if you are struggling with your mental health. Often this will start with an initial consultation so you can discuss what service may be most helpful, then you will be referred to the appropriate service or specialist to fit your needs.

External organisations – there are lots of charities and support networks set up to help international students with their mental health, wherever you happen to be studying. Examples include:

• GloballyMindEd – a global organisation created specifically for international students
• Student Minds – UK-based charity dedicated to student well-being
• Nightline – phone line for students in need of support at night
• University Mental Health Advisers Network – network of mental health professionals supporting students
• The JED Foundation – US-based charity to support emotional well-being in children and young adults
• Youth Mental Health Canada – a community-based organisation providing culturally sensitive support to young people in Canada
• ReachOut Australia – an online mental health service for young people in Australia