Mental Health Advisory Service

 

Mental Health Advisory Service 

There is a team of specialists who provide specific support to students experiencing significant mental health difficulties. They also assist with referrals to psychiatric hospitals. Student access to the Mental Health Advisory Service is by referral from staff only. 

Students using the MHAS are likely to be experiencing mental health difficulties to a degree that they are in need of psychiatric assessment. Their symptoms are likely to have been present for some time with the exception of first/early onset of psychosis and acute stress reactions.

The impact of their difficulties is likely to be apparent in their personal, social and academic lives and there will be an element of risk associated with their presentation. Risks in the student population may include risk to self (e.g. suicidal ideation, suicidal intent, self-harm, self-injury), and risk to others (e.g. thoughts/actions of hurting others).

Normally, a referral will only be accepted when it comes from a Student Support Advisor (SSA), University Counselling Service (UCS), or a Faculty Senior Tutor (FST). In exceptional circumstances of immediate risk, a direct referral will be made by an MHA. The referral process will normally begin with the referrer, a SSA/UCS/FST, discussing with the student concerned regarding the remit of the MHA team and the reason for the referral. An MHA may be required in the following circumstances:

• In circumstances where a student has been diagnosed by a psychiatrist as having a mental health disorder with a risk factor (e.g. active suicidal ideation).
• In circumstances where there are concerns about a student who is suspected of having a mental health disorder or who is exhibiting risk behaviours (e.g. self-harm, talking about ending their life).
• In circumstances where a student wishes to see a psychiatrist.
• In circumstances where a student informs an SSA/FST that he/she has already been diagnosed by a psychiatrist.