Frequently asked questions

1. What non-medical mental health support services are available on campus? University campus' will have their own student support facilities. These can include 1:1 support and counselling. These services may not be specific to your needs and you should discuss this with your university directly. 

2. How can I access non-medical mental health support at my college/university? Support is gained through a discussion with the Disability Student Support service. To find out whether you would be eligible for support, please follow the link Disabled Students' Allowance - learn about eligibility (ucas.com) 

3. Are there any fees associated with non-medical mental health services? This service is government funded. Therefore, there are no fee's that are required from yourself when accessing this service. To access support you must be eligible and have had an assessment to identify your needs. 

4. What should I do if I'm experiencing a mental health crisis and need immediate support? You should contact 999 or 111 to discuss with a medical professional. 

5. Are my conversations with non-medical mental health professionals confidential? Yes. Your mentor will only break confidentiality if they have a genuine concern for yours, or others, safety. 

6. How often can I schedule appointments or meet with a non-medical mental health professional? As often as you like! This will be dependent upon the hours you have secured and how often you and your mentor wish to meet. 

7. Can I request a specific non-medical mental health professional? You will be paired with a mentor who is most suited to you in terms of qualifications and/or experience. Should the relationship not work, you are able to request a change of mentor. 

8. What qualifications or training do non-medical mental health professionals have? All mentors are educated to degree level and are required to have a professional registration. 

9. Are there support groups or workshops available for students seeking non-medical mental health support? There are many available workshops and seminars available online, usually free of charge. Check your university's website for details of what is available on campus.

10. How do I know if I need non-medical professional help for my mental health concerns? You may benefit from support if you have a mental health or Autism diagnosis and you are finding university challenging. 

11. Can non-medical mental health professionals provide referrals to medical or psychiatric services if needed? Unfortunately not. Supporting information may be provided in some circumstances, however you should speak with your GP for any necessary referrals. 

12. Are there any online or remote resources available for non-medical mental health support? Yes, there are! You will be able to find a multitude of information online. You can also follow the link to the resources page on this website.

13. What accommodations can be made for students with mental health conditions by non-medical mental health professionals? This will depend on the support you feel you could benefit from. An initial collaborative discussion will be had with your mentor to discuss any required accommodations.

14. How can I balance my academics and utilise non-medical mental health support effectively? Your mentor may assist you to consider your time management, prioritising effectively so you are better equipped to manage both your academics and support simultaneously. 

15. Can I receive non-medical mental health support during holidays or breaks? Yes. You can organise breaks with your mentor to suit your schedule. As long as the hours you have been allocated for the academic year are used during your enrolment dates, you can be flexible with your breaks. 

16. How long can I continue to receive non-medical mental health support as a student? For the duration of your course, unless stated otherwise in your DSA2 letter.

17. What should I do if I'm not satisfied with the non-medical mental health services provided? You should inform Acharya Mentoring Ltd using the process outlined in our complaints policy. 

18. How can I support a friend who may be struggling with their mental health using non-medical resources? You can direct them to the UCAS website for further information. Disabled Students' Allowance - learn about eligibility (ucas.com)

As always, it's important to contact your college or university's counselling or mental health centre for specific information regarding the available services and resources they offer.