Individual counselling is a one-on-one conversation with a counsellor or psychologist. When you first contact CPS, an intake assessment will be set for you. In this first session, a counsellor/psychologist will ask questions to learn more about your concern, daily functioning, family history and the kind of help that you require. The counsellor/psychologist will then help you decide what kind of intervention you will benefit from the most. If short-term counselling is deemed suitable for you, an appointment will be set for you. We offer a maximum of 8 counselling sessions per client and each session will last about an hour. In individual counselling, a counsellor/psychologist will help you set goals and develop a plan using your own strengths and resources in order to achieve them.

Except in cases of imminent threat to life or a court order, CPS maintains strict confidentiality regarding all information shared by clients.

The only other exception would be if clients give consent by signing an Information Release Form or if clients have been formally required or mandated by their department/faculty to seek counselling at CPS.

First appointments (intake assessment) are usually scheduled based on the availability of a Counsellor/Psychologist. The assigned Counsellor/Psychologist will follow through with the client for future sessions.

Further consideration can be made for students with particular needs, including requests for a mandarin speaking counsellor.

CPS tries to provide a time slot for first assessments as soon as possible. However, this is often dependent on the availability of counsellors/psychologists. The average scheduled appointment regarding non-crisis matters would typically be arranged within a week.

Yes. Part-time psychiatrists attend to students at the University Health Service (Clinic). Appointments can be made through the clinic at 6776 1631.

Referrals need to be obtained either through a psychologist/counsellor at CPS or a doctor at the clinic.

Counselling provides an opportunity for students to connect with a mental health professional who is trained to help individuals explore their personal concerns and to effect positive change in their lives. Counsellors/psychologists listen carefully to their clients in order to help their clients better understand their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours and generate their own solutions to their problems.

Counsellors/psychologists typically refrain from giving much advice. Counselling is a process and its benefits occur over time. It is important for students to stay with the process, and to participate actively during and outside of sessions in order for change and growth to occur.