Psychological support
We all experience times when it’s difficult to cope with everyday life and could use some extra support. The UM Psychologists are committed to helping improve your mental wellbeing by finding the right support services for your situation.
The UM psychologists can help you with psychological difficulties such as anxiety, feelings of guilt, gloominess, stress, lack of self-confidence and grief. They can also provide support if you are experiencing relationship problems with your family, friends or partner. They are not able to provide diagnostic services or long-term counselling. For this, they can refer you to additional services.
You can also view the page How can we support you? to find out which support services we offer for your situation.
Quick Psychological Referral (QPR)
If you're concerned about your mental health or wellbeing and not sure where to turn for help, our UM Psychologists can give you a Quick Psychological Referral (QPR). In a 10-minute session—online, at the SSC or at UM SPORTS —you can confidentially discuss your situation, get advice on what to do next and receive a recommendation for the right care within or outside UM. Following through on the psychologist’s advice is up to you.
For UM staff it is also possible to book a QPR to get advice and recommendation regarding one of their students.
QPR sessions are available several times a week. If you don't see an available appointment, keep checking the website.
How to make the most of your ten minutes:
- Be on time.
- Try to quickly explain what your biggest concern/issue is.
Lectures, workshops and training courses
If you want to learn about a specific mental health topic in a group setting, we offer a number of lectures, workshops and training courses on topics ranging from stress management to coping with loss. Check out the overview of lectures, workshops and training courses to find out which topics are covered and to sign up.
Mental healthcare in the Netherlands
If you would like to see a psychologist or psychiatrist in the Netherlands, you will first need to make an appointment with your general practitioner (GP or 'huisarts'). He or she will then refer you to a specific therapist or mental health centre, if needed. All GPs have a ‘praktijkondersteuner’ (POH, practice assistant) with a specialisation in mental health who can also offer short-term help.
For more information about healthcare in the Netherlands, check out our video.
Wellbeing initiatives
There are many initiatives and programmes you can participate in that are designed to promote your wellbeing. So, if you’re looking for tools that can help you have a happier and healthier student life, check out our webpage on student wellbeing.
External mental health resources
There are also a number of external resources for mental health that you can explore:
- Mind-Health Check: This online questionnaire focuses on mental wellbeing, providing feedback on areas such as mood and stress, along with personalised recommendations and links to free tools that might help you.
- MoodLift online programmes: Participate in anonymous programmes designed to help with issues such as improving mood and reducing stress.
- Ease.nl: Speak or chat anonymously with someone without needing an appointment at Ease.nl, discussing any concerns you might have.
- Suicide prevention crisis line 113: If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, please contact the national suicide prevention organisation to speak confidentially with a mental health professional or volunteer. If you are concerned about another student who is having suicidal thoughts, see our UM webpage on suicidal thoughts.