Student FAQs
This list is composed of the most Frequently Asked Questions we receive from students who are interested in our services. If you cannot find the answer to your question in the list below, please email by clicking on the button below.
Yes, all registered students of Trinity College Dublin may use our services free of charge.
Yes. We are a professional and confidential service and all staff are bound by a code of practice & ethics. The student-counsellor relationship is confidential. This means that what you say to your counsellor is not disclosed to anyone outside the Counselling Service, except if your counsellor was concerned that you were at immediate risk of harm to yourself; or if your counsellor was concerned that a third party was at risk of harm. If there is the possibility of a child being at risk, the Service must report this to Tusla or the Garda Siochana in accordance with national child protection policy. In these circumstances your counsellor would make every effort to discuss the situation with you and involve you in the disclosure process.
For further information, please see the 'Confidentiality Policy for Student Counselling Services'. Please click here to read this document.
Yes! The SCS recognises and values the dignity and diversity of all students using our services. Our staff members and volunteers are committed to providing an inclusive service. We strive to meet the unique needs of each student irrespective of age, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, religion, socioeconomic status, disability, ethnicity, culture, or membership of the traveller community.
No.
Each year approximately 5,000 students from across Trinity have contact with the Service. This includes students who have come straight from secondary school to University, postgraduates, mature students, international students, LGBTQIA* students, and students with disabilities.
The issues that prompt students to attend counselling are numerous and may include: stress, anxiety, depression, relationship problems, family difficulties, bereavement, homesickness, loneliness, lack of motivation, assault, abuse, loneliness, bullying, financial concerns, gender, sexual or personal identity issues, panic, unplanned pregnancy, eating disorders, alcohol, drugs and academic concerns.
In the event of an emergency that cannot wait, there are emergency appointments available every weekday. Students are asked to email student-counselling@tcd.ie and request an emergency appointment.
Make an appointment with one of our counsellors. During the appointment, you will have the opportunity to speak in confidence about any concerns you have regarding your friend.
The Student Counselling Service supports the value of group therapy and workshops in learning how to manage stress related issues and improve general wellbeing. Groups and workshops can be very valuable for sharing ones experience with others who struggle in a similar way and exploring coping mechanisms in a supportive therapeutic environment. To view information on our upcoming workshops / groups, please click here.
All of our Counsellors have been trained in supporting members of the LGBTQIA* community. Our team strive to meet the unique needs of each student and values the dignity and diversity of all students using our services.
The Student Counselling Service is located on the 3rd floor of 7/9 South Leinster Street. Please click here for directions to the service.
If you have never used the service before or if you have not used the service in the current academic year, you will first have a SNAP (Support and Needs Assessment Planning) Consultation. Please click here for further information and to book a SNAP appointment using our online booking system.In the event of an emergency that cannot wait, there is a duty counsellor available for an emergency appointment. Students are asked to use this time for Emergencies only and to book the slot in advance during the morning if possible. To book an emergency appointment, please email student-counselling@tcd.ie Please note that these appointments are not bookable online.
If possible please allow us sufficient notice prior to your scheduled appointment, as we may be able to offer the appointment to another student who is waiting to see a counsellor. Please email student-counselling@tcd.ie to advise us that you are unable to keep your appointment.
When you arrive for your initial counselling session, please check in at reception. You will be asked to fill out a confidential registration form and your counsellor will be electronically notified of your arrival. When your counsellor comes to greet you, you will be invited to a private office for a confidential chat.
Each counselling session lasts for approximately 50 minutes.
The service is a brief counselling service. The average attendance per year is 4 sessions. Your counsellor will agree the number of sessions you attend based on your needs. For longer term counselling we can refer you to external service providers.
The waiting time varies from a couple of days to 10 working days. During busy times the waiting time for an appointment can increase. You are advised to book appointments as soon as you can.
If you have never used the service before, your first appointment will be a Brief Consultation Slot. These are shorter assessment appointments, and can be booked in advance by emailing student-counselling@tcd.ie.
In the event of an emergency that cannot wait, there are emergency slots available every day, which can be booked by calling (01) 8961407.
You are not obliged to attend further appointments if you do not wish to do so. Approximately 20% of students choose to attend only one session. If you wish to cancel your next appointment, please give us as much notice as possible so that we can allocate the time slot to another client.
If you have been referred to the Counselling Service by a member of staff, your counsellor, with your consent, can send them correspondence. This will acknowledge the referral; let them know whether or not you attended the first appointment and whether or not you have a follow up appointment. No information regarding the actual content of your session will be disclosed to the referrer (or any other member of the University staff) without your explicit permission. However, if you wish your counsellor to liaise on your behalf with University staff, this can be arranged.
Counsellors have a professional obligation to keep records of all counselling sessions. Files are securely held for a period of seven years and are then destroyed. If you wish to access your file, just ask your counsellor. Alternatively, you can make a formal request to the University Freedom of Information Officer.
In the event that you wish to change counsellors you are advised to discuss this with the counsellor you are attending so they can refer you to the most appropriate member of the team. If you do not feel able to do this you may request to change counsellors by emailing student-counselling@tcd.ie.
We welcome all feedback as it enables us to ensure a quality service. All clients of the service who give permission for email contact will be sent a link to our online feedback questionnaire.
Counsellors operate within the guideline policies and practises of the Service. To ensure that these are upheld, a complaints procedure has been made available on our website.
If you would like to leave feedback or find out how to make a complaint, please click here.
Yes, certainly. Please email student-counselling@tcd.iein advance of your appointment or state your accessibility needs in the relevant field of the booking form when reserving your SNAP consultation online and we will ensure your needs are met. The Student Counselling Service premises has wheelchair access.
The service is staffed by qualified psychologists and social workers who have postgraduate training in either clinical or counselling psychology/psychotherapy. To view staff details, please click here.
Yes, all appointments are currently operated by phone and video via MS Teams. You will be sent a consent form to fill in and return prior to video appointments.