Mental health and wellbeing
The mental health and wellbeing team provides free short-term mental health and counselling support to University of Waikato students.
In crisis?
Our team is made up of mental health nurses, counsellors, and a social worker, a alcohol and other drug clinician and a health care assistant who are able to provide support to you in achieving your health, wellbeing, academic and personal goals.
All services are available FREE to students currently living in New Zealand. We are unable to provide support to students who are based overseas.
Your initial appointment will be about connecting with the service and a conversation about you and what has brought you in.
The nurse, counsellor or social worker will work with you to develop a plan, which will include possible support options. This may include education, resources, online tools, practical advice, strategies and referral to on and off-campus services as needed.
To book an appointment please contact (07) 838 4037. You are welcome to bring a support person with you to any appointment.
You will be required to complete a ‘mental health and wellbeing service agreement’ form at your first appointment alongside either a casual, international, or domestic enrolment form. You can find these forms either online or come into Student Health Reception. For more information please speak to reception.
If you have an urgent mental health concern please let our front desk team know when you call.
Cancellations and rescheduling
If you are unable to attend a session, please give at least 24 hours notice where possible. If you do not show up for your appointment, you may incur a charge of $10.
Provide support to students who are experiencing a new mental health concern or have a diagnosed mental health challenge.
This might include anxiety, depression, ADHD, changes in mood and thoughts, eating challenges, alcohol or other drugs, self-harm or suicidal thoughts.
We have appointments available that you can book at a time that suits you OR If it is more urgent mental health need or cannot wait, please let our front desk staff know as we are able to provide same-day support for mental health challenges
Counsellors can help with a range of problems by helping you find solutions that suit you. This might include not coping with study and work load, injuries or illness, financial pressures, identity, drug and alcohol challenges, break down in relationships and loss or changes with friends and whānau.
Routine appointments are available so you can book a time that suits you.
We have appointments available that you can book at a time that suits you OR we have 30-minute same day appointments that are available on a first in first served basis. These are suitable for academic letters, special consideration, brief support and other same-day concerns.
Provide social work lens to the Mental health and violence-based challenges. Will work with students' strengths, needs and support networks to support in prioritising goals that will enhance social connectedness and assist in addressing life challenges and major events.
This includes ensuring students have access to resources required to support recovery, resilience and wellbeing. This may include mobilising supports, finances, food, navigating to other internal/external services – please speak to your clinician for referral.
The Kirikiriroa Hamilton campus provides free alcohol and other drug support for all students.
The therapy is evidence-based and non-judgemental, with flexible goals tailored to whether someone wants to reduce their substance use or stop completely. Plans focus on developing coping skills, improving emotional wellbeing, and supporting long-term recovery through regular sessions.
Video and phone appointments are also available. To book an appointment please contact Student Health on (07) 838 4037.
Download and read information on reducing or stopping use:
If you are a staff member supporting a student of concerns, and require support and advice – please call us and ask to speak with a mental health nurse. We will then return your call.
Students based at Tauranga campus are still able to access this service.
If you are unable to do a face-to-face appointment we also offer telephone or video appointments as well.
Alternatively, there is a student health nurse based in Tauranga, who can support with mental health and stress management skills. The student health nurse can also refer students to free counselling services based in Tauranga or other relevant services within the Bay of Plenty region.
Contact details
The student health nurse is based on Level 1, room 1.25, behind The Hub.
- Phone: 0220 139 003
- Email: taurangastudenthealth@waikato.ac.nz
Emergency information
In an emergency or if there is immediate risk call 111
An urgent situation/crisis includes:
- Students that pose a risk of harm to self and/or others
- Students that pose risk to others due to mental health concerns
- If deterioration of pre-existing mental health condition occurs
Local mental health crisis numbers:
- 1737 (free 24/7 counselling phone line, available to call or text)
- Waikato Mental Health Crisis Team 0800 50 50 50
- Bay of Plenty Mental Health Crisis Team 0800 800 508
Mental Health First Aid
The University of Waikato is now offering 'Mental Health First Aid', under the host for Aotearoa, Te Pou.
Wellbeing tools and strategies
Resources to support your health and wellbeing including links to tools, strategies, reading resources, and free helplines when you need someone to talk to.