Psychology & Counseling
Section
The Psychology & Counseling Section provides professional, confidential, and compassionate mental health support to all UNIMAS students. Staffed by certified counselors registered with the Malaysian Counselor Board (Lembaga Kaunselor Malaysia) and experienced Assistant Psychologists, the section was restructured in August 2021 to better meet the evolving mental health needs of students. It offers a wide range of services from individual counseling to large-scale mental health awareness campaigns.
"Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're right."
🔒Strictly Confidential
All sessions and records are protected by professional ethics and Malaysian law.
🆓Free of Charge
All sessions and records are protected by professional ethics and Malaysian law.
📋Certified Professionals
All counselors are registered under the Malaysian Counselor Board (Lembaga Kaunselor).
📞How to Access Counseling Services
🚨Walk in to the Psychology & Counseling Section at PKP, UNIMAS during office hours
🚨Book an appointment via phone, email, or the student portal
🚨Referred by a warden, lecturer, academic advisor, or fellow student
🚨For after-hours crises, contact the UNIMAS 24-hour emergency hotline
Core Services Provided
Individual Counseling
One-on-one confidential sessions with a certified counselor to address personal, academic, emotional, and career-related concerns. Common issues include academic stress, relationship difficulties, family problems, identity challenges, study anxiety, and major life decisions such as course changes or career direction. Sessions are scheduled by appointment or walk-in for urgent cases.
Group Counseling
Facilitated group sessions that bring together students facing similar challenges. Group counseling provides a supportive peer environment for shared learning, normalising experiences, and developing coping skills. Groups are formed around themes such as stress management, social anxiety, grief support, and relationship skills.
Crisis Intervention
Immediate, priority support for students experiencing acute mental health crises. This includes assessment and intervention for suicidal ideation, self-harm, severe depression, panic disorders, acute trauma, and serious grief. The section works closely with UNIMAS Medical Centre, Hospital Sarawak, and the university's emergency response team to ensure student safety.
Psychometric Testing & Assessment
Administers validated psychometric tools to help students better understand their personality, strengths, learning style, stress levels, and career aptitude. Assessments include personality inventories (e.g., MBTI, Big Five), anxiety and depression screening tools (e.g., DASS-21), and vocational interest inventories to guide academic and career decision-making.
Mental Health Awareness Campaigns
Organises campus-wide mental health campaigns and events throughout the year, particularly around key periods such as examination seasons and semester transitions. Activities include themed weeks, exhibitions, talks by industry experts, mental health first aid training, and social media campaigns to destigmatise mental health discussions on campus.
Human Capital Development
Delivers workshops, seminars, and training modules for students focused on building resilience, emotional intelligence, leadership, time management, and interpersonal skills. Topics are informed by psychological frameworks and are designed to equip students with practical life skills that complement their academic education and prepare them for the workforce.
Referral & Specialist Collaboration
Where student needs exceed the scope of on-campus counseling, the section facilitates referrals to external psychiatrists, psychologists, and mental health specialists at UNIMAS Medical Centre or Hospital Sarawak. Coordinates with student faculties, residential college wardens, and the Dean of Students office to provide integrated support for at-risk students.
