3.3 – Collaborations and health services

3.3.5 – Mental health support for Students

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) is committed to safeguarding the mental well-being of its students through a comprehensive range of mental health support services. These initiatives are designed to assist students in managing academic pressures, personal challenges and mental health concerns, thereby fostering a supportive and resilient campus community. To strengthen this commitment, UKM has established a Mental Health Policy that serves as a guiding framework for all members of the university community. The policy was formally endorsed during the University Management Meeting held on 23 April 2024, underscoring the institution’s dedication to promoting holistic well-being and a healthy learning environment.

Table shows access for students to support mental health

No.	Types of support
1.	Counselling and Guidance Unit i. HALOKAUNSELOR Appsii. Kembara Kaunselor Sessioniii. Katarsis Carnival iv. Bicara Kaunselor
2.	Health Psychology Clinic, Faculty of Health Sciences (FSK)
3.	Psychology and Consultation Clinic, Faculty of Social Sciences & Humanities (FSSK)
4.	Psychiatric Department at Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz (HCTM)

1. Counselling and Guidance Services

UKM offers free mental health support to all students. Students can access one-on-one and group counselling sessions, provided by the university’s trained counsellors at the Counselling Unit, HEP-UKM at UKM Bangi. 

The counselling appointments can be booked easily online via the ‘HaloKaunselor’ system, a new initiative to ensure accessibility of students and confidentiality for all the information provided by the applicants. Whether students are experiencing stress, anxiety, sadness, or other personal concerns, UKM is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment to help them manage and overcome challenges, both through face-to-face and online sessions tailored to their individual needs.

a. HALOKAUNSELOR

UKM offers free mental health support to all students through its dedicated counseling services. Students can access one-on-one and group counseling sessions, provided by the university’s trained counselors at the Counseling Unit of UKM Student Affairs Center at UKM Bangi. Appointments can be made easily online via the ‘HaloKaunselor’ app, ensuring accessibility and confidentiality. Whether students are experiencing stress, anxiety, sadness, or other personal concerns, UKM is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment.

b. Kembara Kaunselor Session

UKM actively promotes good mental health to all its citizens. One notable initiative is the “Kembara Kaunselor,” led by the Student Counseling Unit of Center for Student Affairs (HEP-UKM). This program is conducted from 2 May 2024 until 20 June 2024. This is an outreach program in which the counselors and trainee counselors had provided psychological assessment and guidance to the students in the faculty. A total of 12 series were conducted in all faculties, including campuses in Bangi, Cheras and Kuala Lumpur. This program involved the participation of 400 students.

c. Katarsis Carnival (KARSIS)

The program, organized by the Counseling Unit, Student Affairs Center (HEP-UKM), aims to provide exposure to the citizens of UKM on the importance of psychological management and to respond to the government’s call in promoting awareness of good mental health care. This year’s National Counseling Month is themed ‘’Tekad Empati, Sejahtera Insani’’. The objectives of this program include to raise awareness among UKM (Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia) members that October is National Counselling Month in Malaysia and to increase awareness among UKM members about the importance and ways of maintaining mental, emotional, and psychological health.

d. Bicara Kaunselor

Bicara Kaunselor is a serial program to discuss the mental health or counselling related topics in the online platform, such as Instagrams or Tik Tok Live. In 2024, there were 8 series of Bicara Kaunselor conducted among counsellors. The objective of this program is to increase the awareness on the importance of mental wellness and to disseminate information related to the tips of maintaining mental wellness. As a result of this program, it has successfully improved the students’ awareness on mental health concerns and increased their understanding on the various tips of maintaining mental wellness.

2. Health Psychology Clinic, Faculty Of Health Sciences (FSK)

The Health Psychology Clinic, Faculty of Health Sciences (FSK) offers a range of psychological services for students seeking mental health support. The clinic provides specialized services such as psychological assessments, therapy, and counseling for individuals of all ages. The services offered include:

1. Individual Counseling and Therapy – Aimed at addressing personal challenges such as stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
2. Group Counseling and Therapy – Facilitates group support sessions that allow individuals with similar issues to engage in therapeutic discussions, fostering mutual support and understanding.
3. Psychological Assessments – The clinic conducts assessments to evaluate a range of psychological conditions, providing in-depth insights for tailored therapeutic interventions.
4. Workshops and Training Programs – The clinic organizes mental health workshops, psychoeducational sessions, and training programs to promote awareness and resilience in managing mental health.
5. Family and Couples Therapy – Focused on improving interpersonal relationships, family dynamics, and conflict resolution.

The charges depend on cognitive assessment, which range from RM5 to RM20, while other services also range from RM5 to RM20. These services are designed to promote mental wellness and provide a supportive environment for students experiencing mental health challenges.

Source: www.ukm.my/fsk/tab-folder/perkhidmatan/perkhidmatan-klinikal/klinik-psikologi-kesihatan/

3. Psychology and Consultation Clinic, Faculty of Social Science & Humanities

The Psychology and Consultation Clinic under the Faculty of Social Sciences & Humanities at UKM provides professional psychological services, including mental health and counseling support. In line with UKM’s commitment to student wellbeing, all services are offered free of charge to UKM students, ensuring accessible and confidential mental health support on campus. The clinic addresses a wide range of needs, including career, family, and mental health counseling.

Source: www.ukm.my/ppppm/pkpk

4. Psychiatric Department Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz UKM HCTM

For students located at the UKM Cheras Campus, they can access psychological services at the Psychiatric Department of Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz UKM HCTM. The services offered include:

• Outpatient Clinic Services, including virtual facilities
• Inpatient Services
• Community Psychiatry Services
• Clinical Psychology Services
• Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Services
• Electroconvulsive Therapy Services
• Psychotherapy Services
• Geriatric Psychiatry Services
• Counseling Services
• Occupational Therapy and Rehabilitation Services

UKM provides a comprehensive range of mental health support services across various departments and campuses to ensure the well-being of its students. Initiatives such as the “Kembara Kaunselor” program, the “Halo Kaunselor” app and the services available at the Health Psychology Clinic and the Psychology and Consultation Clinic demonstrate UKM’s commitment to accessible, proactive and diverse mental health care. For students at the UKM Cheras Campus, the Psychiatric Department at Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz UKM HCTM offers specialized psychiatric and psychological support. These services, tailored to address individual needs, play an essential role in promoting a healthy campus environment and reducing stigma around mental health issues. Through these efforts, UKM fosters an inclusive, supportive and mentally resilient community.