If this is urgent
If it is an emergency, please call 000 (Australia only).
If you are experiencing distress and need to urgently speak with someone, please contact:
- CDU Wellbeing Support Line 1300 933 393 and SMS 0488 884 144
- Lifeline 13 11 14
- Mental Health Crisis Line 1800 011 511
- Beyond Blue Support Service 1300 224 636
- or attend your local hospital emergency department.
If you are on campus and there is an emergency, call 000, then alert University Security on 1800 646 501 or through SafeZone app.
If you are not in Australia, please contact your emergency service, mental health practitioner, doctor, or support organisation in the country where you are currently residing.
If you’re not in immediate danger but feel you need support, there are options to help you stay safe and well. The Wellbeing Action Tool is a practical resource to guide you in maintaining your mental health (visit www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/wellbeing-action-tool to learn more or download the tool for yourself). Additionally, you can create a Safety Plan to identify personalised strategies for challenging times (learn more at www.lifeline.org.au/get-help/beyond-now or start yours at beyondnow.lifeline.org.au). These tools can be helpful in providing immediate self-support when you need it most.
CDU Wellbeing Support Line
The CDU Wellbeing Support Line is available 24 hours if you need to speak with someone urgently.
Ph: 1300 933 393
SMS: 0488884144
Emotional Distress Protocol
CDU has an Emotional Distress Protocol to guide anyone providing immediate support to someone in distress.
Attending counselling
Short-term individual counselling sessions and regular group wellbeing sessions are provided by the counselling team. There is often high demand for this service.
These services are free and confidential to all students experiencing personal, family, mental health, or general wellbeing concerns that are affecting their study. Your attendance at counselling or group wellbeing sessions is voluntary.
In both individual and group settings, counsellors endeavour to create spaces where you feel safe. You will work with a counsellor to develop wellbeing strategies that are right for you. Counsellors will also support your steps to accessing more intensive and ongoing support through another provider if required.
Confidentiality and informed consent
It is a requirement that the Counselling Service has your written consent before engaging in counselling. Consent relates to counselling service provision, confidentiality, and privacy.
If risk or safety issues are identified, the counsellors may need to release information to other parties to keep yourself or others safe.
Your counsellor is legally required to waive your confidentiality if they have reasonable cause to believe you may harm yourself or others or there is an imminent threat of harm/danger to yourself, other adults and children, or CDU.
In these circumstances, they will first endeavour to discuss with you the action they will be taking to ensure the safety of you and/or others. All efforts will be made to have this discussion with you in person, if it is safe and possible for them to do so.
Explore our group sessions
At different times we have small group and workshop options available online and on campus.
You can attend one, some or all of these sessions to:
- Grow your ways for wellbeing while studying
- Develop emotional regulation strategies during stressful times
- Learn, ask questions and make decisions about all the student support services you can access
You can find these on the student portal so keep an eye out for upcoming sessions.
If you want to find out more information about group sessions or want to share your ideas, get in touch with us.
Appointments
Important Information: Please Read Before Booking
If you are feeling distressed, overwhelmed, or require urgent support, we strongly encourage you to contact:
- CDU Wellbeing Support Line: Call 1300 933 393 or SMS 0488 884 144 for immediate and confidential assistance.
If you are looking for support that might be accessible sooner than CDU Counselling, consider the following options:
- International Students (Allianz Policy Holders): Access wellbeing support through the Sonder App.
- Nursing and Midwifery Students: Free counselling services are offered by the Nurse Midwife Health Program. Contact them on 1800 001 060.
Your wellbeing matters and these resources are here to provide support when you need it.
Counsellors can meet with you in-person (Casuarina and Sydney campuses only) or via telephone/video meeting. Sessions are generally up to 45 minutes in length. Single session and Initial appointments can be for a reduced time.
Single session appointments. If you would like a one-off session for wellbeing support.
Initial appointments. If you have not seen a counsellor in the last 6 months and you would like multiple counselling sessions.
Subsequent individual appointments. If you are seeking up to 5 additional appointments. Counsellors can also discuss ways of accessing long term therapy options.
Counselling locations and enquiries
Casuarina campus
Student Support Services, Blue 5.1
Mon–Thurs: 8:30am–4pm (ACST)
Fri: 8:30am–3pm (ACST)
Sydney campus
Level 8, 815 George Street, Haymarket
Monday – Fridays: 8:30am–4pm (AEST/AEDT)
Online
Booking appointments
Important Information: Please Read Before Booking
If you are feeling distressed, overwhelmed, or require urgent support, we strongly encourage you to contact:
- CDU Wellbeing Support Line: Call 1300 933 393 or SMS 0488 884 144 for immediate and confidential assistance.
If you are looking for support that might be accessible sooner than CDU Counselling, consider the following options:
- International Students (Allianz Policy Holders): Access wellbeing support through the Sonder App.
- Nursing and Midwifery Students: Free counselling services are offered by the Nurse Midwife Health Program. Contact them on 1800 001 060.
Your wellbeing matters and these resources are here to provide support when you need it.
Request a counselling appointment.
If emailing about other enquiries, please provide:
- your name
- student number
- contact phone number
We will endeavour to respond to emails within 48 hours.
Email: counselling@cdu.edu.au
Reporting sexual assault and sexual harassment
Charles Darwin University is committed to providing a safe, secure and supportive environment. If you, or someone you know, has experienced sexual misconduct, we encourage you to report this.
Explore options
There are different options for reporting that you may consider.
Make a report
You can lodge a disclosure, make a formal report, or report anonymously.
Counselling
If you prefer to talk to a Counsellor who can provide guidance and advice. Please book a free and confidential appointment.
Staying well
There are many things that cause stress in our daily lives, such as study, finances, work and family.
We have put together ideas and resources to help you to keep your wellbeing in check throughout study and life.
Learn moreWho attends counselling?
People attend counselling for all kinds of reasons.
These could relate to emotional distress, mental health challenges, family and relationships, distressing or traumatic life events, stressor, stress responses and coping strategies.
People also attend counselling to grow their wellbeing strategies, maintain their wellbeing, or draw on them when faced with challenges.