Mental Health and Well-Being Support: Counseling and Wellness Initiatives for Students

Universiti Sains Malaysia continues to demonstrate its strong commitment to providing students with access to mental health support and to the active promotion of good mental health across all campuses. Through counselling services, peer-led outreach, and wellness-based programmes, the university ensures that students receive the guidance and resources they need to maintain emotional resilience and psychological well-being.

One of the key initiatives introduced in 2024 is the Psychometric and Relaxation Room (Bilik Psikometrik dan Relaksasi) at the School of Educational Studies (PPIP). This facility was established to actively promote good mental health by offering a calm and supportive environment equipped with massage chairs, relaxation tools, and psychometric assessment instruments. Students can use this space to understand their emotional states, explore their personality traits, and develop coping strategies to manage stress effectively. The room is managed by Dr. Nurul Fazzuan Bin Khalid with support from postgraduate counselling students who guide participants through self-assessment and relaxation sessions.

In the same year, USM implemented the Road Tour Kaunseling (PLK564): Dari Mahasiswa kepada Mahasiswa, a student-led outreach programme held from April to May 2024. The initiative involved Trainer Counsellors visiting libraries, academic centres, and student residences to provide peer-based mental health support. The sessions included psychoeducation, emotional sharing, and awareness activities that encouraged students to seek help and openly discuss mental health challenges. This initiative reflected USM’s emphasis on early intervention and peer connection as part of its active promotion of good mental health.

USM also offers continuous and free access to professional mental health support through multiple channels. The LineHayat USM platform provides confidential listening and early referral for students in emotional distress, while Pusat Sejahtera USM and MENTARI Hospital Pakar Universiti Sains Malaysia (HPUSM) deliver professional counselling, psychological therapy, and psychiatric treatment. These services are further supported by national hotlines such as Befrienders and Talian HEAL 15555, ensuring 24-hour access to crisis support and emotional care.

Through these initiatives, USM demonstrates a comprehensive and inclusive approach that integrates professional services, peer support, and wellness education. This structure enables the university to both provide students with access to mental health support and actively promote good mental health, in alignment with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).