The Studierendenwerk Thüringen improves the services for students with psychosocial counseling needs. Especially in the still difficult Corona period, this support is indispensable for students.
Since autumn 2020, requests for support in this regard have risen sharply and beyond the usual level. The state is therefore supporting the Studierendenwerk by funding two additional positions from 1 January 2022, which will make it possible to expand the counselling services. The HSP funding program "Corona Student Help" of the Thuringian Ministry of Economy, Science and Digital Society has been extended accordingly by a Part II, initially for 2022 and 2023.
Quicker access to initial interview
By digitizing the appointment organization, it is now also possible for students to arrange an initial consultation with a counselor at the Psychosocial Counseling Center of the Studierendenwerk Thüringen. Telephone and video counselling are available regardless of the location of the university. A new booking system on the Studierendenwerk website has a modern design and is easy and quick to use. Time-consuming coordination processes, which were previously necessary with the counseling staff, are no longer necessary.
In addition, the Studierendenwerk online now provides more detailed and transparent information on the new website about psychosocial counselling services, gives tips on "first aid in a crisis" and answers frequently asked questions ("FAQ"). You can find out more at: www.stw-thueringen.de/en/counselling/psycho-social-counselling/. Dr. Ralf Schmidt-Röh, the managing director of the Studierendenwerk Thüringen, explains the new service:
In addition to financial programs of the federal government and the state, which we have implemented to support students, we can also contribute with these social services so that students can better overcome possible problem situations and successfully complete their studies.
Georg Peter from the Student Health Management TU Ilmenau also welcomes both the increase in staff and the quick access to psychosocial counselling.
We are very pleased about the expansion of the psychosocial services of the Studierendenwerk, because the demand for them is high. It is particularly important for those affected to have early access to initial counselling. This is made possible thanks to the funding measure. In addition to the primary preventive measures that we implement to promote mental health at the TU Ilmenau, psychosocial counselling is an important offer.
Free counselling
Psychosocial counselling is available free of charge to all students at Thuringia's state universities who feel the need to talk to a neutral person about themselves, their situation and their problems - for example, about learning and work problems, conflicts in the shared flat or addiction. The counsellors support them in finding solutions and rediscovering abilities and strengths. Students can choose whether they want counselling in presence, by video, by telephone or even as a personal conversation, which can take place during a counselling walk.
More information:
www.stw-thueringen.de/en/counselling/psycho-social-counselling/