3.3 – Collaborations and health services

3.3.7 – Mental health support for Staff

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) provides various mental health support services to ensure the well-being of its staff. These services aim to help staff cope with work stress, personal issues and mental health challenges, promoting a supportive and healthy campus environment. Similar to students, UKM staff also refer to the Mental Health Policy as stated in Section 3.3.5.

Table shows mental health support for staff in UKM

No.	Type of supports
1.	Psychology Officer
2.	Activities to Support Mental Health
3.	Halo Kaunselor
4.	Psychiatric Department Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz (HCTM) UKM
5.	Health Psychology Clinic, Faculty Of Health Sciences (FSK)
6.	Psychology and Consultation Clinic, Faculty of Social Science & Humanities (FSSK)

1. Psychology Officer

UKM recognises the importance of safeguarding the mental health and well-being of its staff as part of its commitment to creating a supportive and productive workplace. To address this, UKM has appointed dedicated Psychology Officers who play a crucial role in providing professional psychological services.

These officers offer confidential counseling and mental health support for staff facing personal, emotional, or work-related challenges. They also conduct workshops, awareness sessions, and intervention programs aimed at promoting resilience, stress management, and work–life balance. In addition, Psychology Officers collaborate closely with relevant departments to ensure early identification of mental health concerns and to provide timely support or referrals when necessary.

Through these initiatives, the presence of Psychology Officers at Human Resources Division UKM not only enhances the availability of professional mental health services for staff but also fosters a culture of care, empathy, and inclusivity. Their role contributes directly to improving staff well-being, reducing stress-related issues and sustaining a healthier and more engaged workforce.

2. Activities to support staff mental health

In 2024, UKM organized a comprehensive series of development, intervention and prevention programmes focused on enhancing staff mental health and emotional well-being. These initiatives, coordinated by various internal departments and supported by external collaborations, aimed to cultivate a balanced, resilient, and psychologically healthy workforce.

Throughout the year, numerous workshops, seminars, and awareness sessions were held under themes such as emotional balance, psychological empowerment, and stress management. Early in the year, sessions like “Emosi Bahagia, Belajar Sejahtera” (January and June) and “Kursus Pemerkasaan Psikologi dan Kerohanian” (February) emphasized emotional intelligence and spiritual well-being. UKM also hosted the Mental Health Seminar (April) and the Forum Kesihatan: Sengsara Dalam Diam (December), promoting awareness of mental health challenges and support systems available on campus.

Interventions such as MyPsyD Digital Psychological Profiling Roadshows (May) and Program MentalSihat@FFar (August) integrated technology and faculty engagement to encourage proactive mental health monitoring. The institution further promoted peer support and mentoring culture through AKRAB programmes, mentoring competency certificates, and the Exit Policy Briefing for AKRAB CARE (July), ensuring sustained psychological support among staff networks.

A series of online webinars throughout the year—including “Hidup Ini Mahal”, “Wanita dan Kerjaya”, and “Bintang di Langit, Bintang di Muka”—enabled accessible mental health learning platforms. These sessions fostered open dialogue on work-life balance, emotional resilience, and women’s mental well-being.The culmination of these initiatives was marked by the UKM Counseling Month Closing Ceremony (November), reinforcing the university’s ongoing commitment to employee psychological welfare. Collectively, these 2024 programmes demonstrate UKM’s proactive and structured approach in promoting a supportive, compassionate, and mentally healthy work environment.

3. HaloKaunselor

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) offers mental health services for its staff through multiple channels. Mental health services are provided free of charge to all staff, including counseling sessions under the Counseling Unit of UKM Student Affairs Center, located at UKM Bangi. Among the services offered by this unit are individual and group guidance, as well as individual and group counseling. Staff can make appointments online through the ‘HaloKaunselor’ application at any time. They also provided face-to-face or online counseling service available with the university’s counselor for those who are experiencing worries, sadness, stress, anxiety, confusion, loss of focus and other emotional or personal problems.

4. Psychiatric Department Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz (HCTM) UKM

UKM Staff can also get physiological and psychiatric treatment at Psychiatric Department Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz UKM for those working at Cheras Campus. These services are covered under the university medical benefit for staff. Face-to-face or online counseling available for staff who need help with motivation, peace, contentment, acceptance, closure, self-worth and others in order to become the best version of themselves.

5. 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/

6. Psychology and Consultation Clinic, Faculty of Social Science & Humanities (FSSK)

The Psychology and Consultation Clinic under the Faculty of Social Science & Humanities (FSSK) at UKM provides professional psychological services, including mental health and counseling support. UKM staff members are eligible to receive free services at this clinic, reflecting the university’s commitment to employee wellbeing. The clinic addresses a wide range of needs, including career, family, and mental health counseling.

Source: www.ukm.my/ppppm/pkpk

UKM demonstrates a strong institutional commitment to promoting staff mental health through a comprehensive framework of preventive, developmental, and therapeutic initiatives. Central to this effort is the appointment of qualified Psychology Officers within the Human Resources Division, who provide professional counseling, mental health assessments, and resilience-building programs. These officers work collaboratively with various units to ensure early detection and timely intervention for staff experiencing emotional or psychological distress, fostering a culture of empathy and well-being across the university.

In 2024, UKM further strengthened its mental health ecosystem through a series of impactful activities such as the Mental Health Seminar, Forum Kesihatan: Sengsara Dalam Diam, MyPsyD Digital Psychological Profiling Roadshows, and Program MentalSihat@FFar, which promoted mental health awareness and early intervention. These initiatives encouraged open conversations about stress, emotional balance, and psychological empowerment while integrating digital tools for proactive monitoring of mental wellness.

UKM also ensures accessible counseling support through the HaloKaunselor online platform, enabling staff to book counseling sessions anytime and receive free, confidential assistance from certified counselors. Moreover, those requiring specialized care can access services at the Psychiatric Department of Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz (HCTM) and at UKM’s in-house clinics, including the Health Psychology Clinic (FSK) and the Psychology and Consultation Clinic (FSSK), both offering therapy, assessments and counseling at affordable or discounted rates.

Collectively, these initiatives reflect UKM’s holistic and inclusive approach in supporting the psychological resilience, emotional stability and overall well-being of its staff. By integrating professional expertise, technology, and community engagement, UKM has cultivated a mentally healthy workplace that enhances staff productivity, morale and institutional sustainability.