What is Student Mental Health Advice?

Student Mental Health Advice (SMHA) offers support to students who have ongoing mental health needs - this includes those who have a diagnosed mental health issue or may be experiencing complex factors that are impacting their mental health.

What have students said about Student Mental Health Advice?

"The student mental health advisors have been absolutely vital to my ability to thrive at university. They are inclusive, understanding and show genuine care. I wouldn’t  be where I am now without them “ 

How to access SMHA?

How to access Student Mental Health Advice?

Student Mental Health Advice is available to students with complex and/or ongoing mental health issues.
To access SMHA, students should complete the outlining their concerns and a brief history. Following a conversation with a member of the Clinical Triage Team or Student Mental Health Intervention Team, a referral to SMHA can be made.

What is expected from students?

Students need to be able to commit to attending appointments regularly.

What can your Student Mental Health Advisor support you with?

Student Mental Health Advisors

Student Mental Health Advisors offer you practical support in managing your mental health whilst at University. This can include discussing the options that are available to you via the university, NHS and/or third-party organisations.
If needed and it feels beneficial, your Student Mental Health Advisor can help with liaising with your department or care team.

Practial support that SMHA can offer you

  • Psycho-education around different mental health conditions 
  • Practical techniques and strategies to manage your mental health and maintain a work/life balance  
  • Risk Management 
  • Safety Planning 
  • Liaison with your NHS Teams 
  • Liaison with your department 

Frequently Asked Questions

How many sessions can SMHA offer you?

All students are able to access seven sessions - this includes an assessment and six ongoing sessions.
Once your sessions have been completed and depending on need, your Student Mental Health Advisor will discuss the following follow-up options that are available to you:

  • You can be added to the SMHA Teams list where you can access support as and when needed
  • Your Student Mental Health Advisor can arrange monthly check-ins with you (this is reserved for students with greater support needs and more complex circumstances)
How frequently do you meet? 

Sessions can be weekly, monthly or even once a term.
The frequency would be agreed upon in collaboration with your Student Mental Health Advisor. We aim to be as flexible and supportive as possible - so, if things are difficult, we can try and see you more often, and if you're managing okay, we can arrange for check-ins to be less frequent. 

Is Student Mental Health Advice the same as Counselling?

No. Student Mental Health Advice is not counselling (or talking therapy), nor is it a form of treatment.
We may discuss similar topics that you may also take to counselling and reflect with you about your current thoughts, feelings and difficulties. However, the focus is more on the present and on practical skills that you can use to manage your mental health. 
If you're interested in accessing counselling, we can explore this with you

 

Can Student Mental Health Advice prescribe medication?

No. A Doctor or Nurse would need to prescribe this for you. Your Student Mental Health Advisor can explore medication with you as a form of treatment and support, with liaising with your GP, if this is something you would like.

Is it confidential?

What gets discussed in SMHA sessions stays confidential. The only time we may need to share information outside the service is in exceptional circumstances - either when we are concerned that you or someone else may be at risk of harm, or when you let us know that you would like us to speak with external services on your behalf.  

For further information, please see the Confidentiality & Data Protection Policy.

Can I meet Student Mental Health Advice whilst I am on an IOS?

Student Mental Health Advice can keep in touch with you whilst you're on an Interruption of Studies (IOS). Your Student Mental Health Advisor can check in with you every 8 weeks.

If you're on an IOS due to issues with your mental health, SHMA can assist in locating support and/or treatment whilst you are away from the University and offer check-ins on your progress.  

Can I be supported when I'm abroad?

Student Mental Health Advice is only available to students enrolled in the UK.