Accessing external support
Sometimes you may need support from a specialist service outside of the College. The Wellbeing and Disability team can help you explore your options and access external services, including counselling and mental health support.
You don’t need to wait until things feel unmanageable. Reaching out early can make a real difference.
Counselling and mental health support
Regent College London (RCL) doesn’t provide in-house counselling, but the Wellbeing and Disability team can talk through what you’re experiencing, help you understand your options, and refer you to external counselling services and other community-based support.
External counselling services provide confidential, one-to-one support with qualified professionals. Sessions may be online or in person, depending on the provider.
Counselling may help if you are:
- Feeling anxious, low, or overwhelmed
- Struggling with relationships, family difficulties, or loneliness
- Adjusting to university life or living away from home
- Coping with bereavement or personal challenges
- Looking for space to explore your thoughts and feelings
How to access external counselling support
Hub of Hope is the UK’s largest mental health support directory and allows you to search for local services using your postcode. It can help you find counselling services, charities, crisis support, and community groups in your area.
NHS Talking Therapies offers free support for common mental health difficulties such as anxiety, depression, stress, and low mood. You may be offered up to six free sessions with a qualified counsellor, arranged at a time and in a format that suits you.
If you would like help finding the right type support for you, book a wellbeing appointment or email wellbeing@rcl.ac.uk.
Referral through RCL
You can access counselling by referral through RCL’s Wellbeing and Disability team. The process is simple and confidential. Book an appointment with the team, and they’ll contact you to discuss your situation and next steps.
Self-referral
You can refer yourself directly to NHS Talking Therapies through its website. You do not need a GP referral, and you do not need to go through RCL.
International support services
Moving to a new country to study can be exciting, but it can also feel challenging at times. Adjusting to a different culture, education system, and environment may bring feelings of homesickness, loneliness, or uncertainty.
These experiences are common, particularly during the early stages of settling into life in the UK, and support is always available. The following organisations provide helpful information and support for students studying in the UK.
- UKCISA: Information and advice about immigration rules, fees, employment and the wider student experience.
- Student Minds: Offers advice, resources, and guidance to help you look after your mental health while studying.
- Mind: Provides trusted information and support services for a wide range of mental health concerns.
Other useful RCL student links:
- Healthcare services: Guidance on registering with a GP, accessing NHS care as an international student, and where to get non-emergency medical advice.
- Taking care of your health: Information on alcohol awareness, drug misuse, and sexual health to help you make informed choices.
- Mental health services: Support options, including urgent help and specialist community services if you need additional support.
Person-centred support services
Our students are a thriving global community who have diverse experiences and unique needs. Therefore, we have compiled a list of self-referral person-centred counselling services so you can find the right support which makes you feel heard, understood and supported throughout your academic journey.
- Help Counselling: Low-cost counselling in 15+ languages.
- BAATN – Black, African & Asian Therapy Network: Directory of Black, African and Asian therapists; culturally informed support and workshops.
- VOADES: Free counselling, groups and workshops for Spanish and Portuguese-speaking communities.
- Black Minds Matter UK: Free therapy matching for Black students and families.
- Derman: Counselling for Kurdish and Turkish-speaking communities.
- Roma Support Group: Emotional support and advocacy for Roma students.
- Switchboard: Confidential helpline and live chat offering listening support and signposting.
- London Friend: LGBTQ+ affirmative counselling and group programmes.
- MindOut: LGBTQ+ mental health service with counselling and peer support.
- AKT (Albert Kennedy Trust): Support for LGBTQ+ young people facing homelessness or rejection, with links to counselling.
- Rees Foundation: Emotional support, mentoring and peer networks.
- Become Charity: One-to-one counselling and guidance for care-experienced young people.
- Care Leavers’ Association: Peer support, advocacy and mental health resources.
- Counselling Carers: Counselling for carers managing stress and emotional wellbeing.
- Camden Carers: Free counselling (up to 12 sessions), wellbeing checks and peer groups.
- Carers UK: Advice, helpline support and signposting to counselling.
- Home Start UK: Support for parents with children under 5, including links to counselling.
- Family Action: Counselling and mental health services for adults balancing study and family care.
Need more help?
Book a wellbeing appointment for advice and support, or email wellbeing@rcl.ac.uk.
