The number of York students seeking access to counselling services has more than doubled in the last four years.
The study, carried out for World Health Day celebrated on October 10th, found that York had the third largest increase in counselling enquiries, falling only behind the University of Glasgow and the University of Lancaster.
The number of students at York accessing mental health services in 2011-12 was totalled at 1,631, compared with just 747 in 2008-09.
A University spokesman responded the increase was due to a program called ‘Open Door Team’. He told the Guardian: “The University of York have actively developed the ODT model because it allows quick access to appropriate interventions, quick throughput based on student need – rather than student want — and no long waiting times.
“The ODT model is distinctive from the traditional counselling service and disability service (with mental health worker) approach.”
A second-year PPE student has praised the Open Door team but criticises the step beyond the University’s team, telling Vision that a 10-month hold-up for counselling has led to an ‘absolute nightmare’.
“Open Door are great but they are always over-subscribed and can only see you for 6 sessions. I know a number of students at York who have issues with depression or anxiety – and we’re always encouraged to seek counselling,” they said.
“I’ve now struggled for 10 months to get any sort of counselling/therapy outside of what the University offers – it’s an absolute nightmare. There’s just no money for it, and stigma still hits many students who really need counselling.”
Of the 114 universities who replied to requests from the investigation, the University of the West of Scotland and Bath Spa University also saw their figures double.
Across the UK, the number of university students seeking counselling has risen by a third, whilst Glasgow and Edinburgh are the universities who have the longest waiting lists at 239 and 160 respectively.
The survey also found that a fifth of British students believe they have a mental health problem, with a further 13 per cent saying they have suicidal thoughts.
Who to contact if you are struggling with mental health problems.
• CONTACT THE OPEN DOOR TEAM
– Email [email protected]
– Call 01904 322 140
– Visit block B, Sally Baldwin buildings
• NIGHTLINE
– Email [email protected]
– Call 01904 323 735
– Visit block E, Wentworth college
• SAMARITANS
– Email [email protected]
– Call 08457 90 90 90
– Visit 89 Nunnery Lane, York
• COLLEGE WELFARE
– Search ‘York college welfare team’ for advice on how to get in touch with the welfare team from your college