Challenges to addressing student mental health in embedded counselling services: a survey of UK higher and further education institutions

Background: with reports continually demonstrating increased demand and severity of student mental health needs, it is important to gain a fuller understanding of the impact on embedded student counselling services. Aims: to identify (1) service similarities; (2) factors which impact on services; (3) characteristics of service users; and (4) identify the use of therapeutic technology (e.g. online self-help). Methods: an online survey was completed by 113 heads of UK student counselling services across Higher Education (HE), Further Education (FE), and Sixth Form Colleges (SFCs), to capture service data from the academic year 2013/14. Results: students predominantly received high-intensity support (e.g. Counselling) and referrals increased over 3-years. Conclusion: challenges to embedded counselling services and their implications for development are discussed.