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 domestic students currently living in New Zealand. International student insurance covers the full cost of mental health care with our service. We are unable to provide support to students who are based overseas.
Mental Health and Wellbeing Team
Services for students
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.
Provides free alcohol and other drug support for all students on campus or via video and phone appointments.
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.
Download and read information on reducing or stopping use:
Student Health Service offers FREE cultural support for Māori and Pacific students through the form of Rongoā Māori, delivered by Kaupapa Māori hauora providers.
ĀKI Innovations
20 Parr Street, Frankton, Hamilton
Visit the ĀKI website to make an appointment, no referral is necessary for Māori and Pacific students.
ĀKI has a collective of Rongoā Māori practitioners that offer a wide range of traditional Māori healing modalities, incorporating holistic aspects of mind, body and spirit. ĀKI offers Mirimiri, Romiromi, Whitiwhiti Kōrero, and Oro Mauri that students can access.
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
We understand that reaching out can feel difficult, but you don’t have to manage things on your own. Our team is here to listen and support you. All mental health support is private, and your information is not shared with other students or lecturers. Student insurance covers the full cost of mental health care with our service, whether your concerns are new or ongoing, so there are no out-of-pocket costs.
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:
- Waikato Mental Health Crisis Team 0800 50 50 50
- Bay of Plenty Mental Health Crisis Team 0800 800 508
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.