Access to Mental Health Support for Staff and Students
Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) demonstrates a strong institutional commitment to mental health and well-being by providing accessible, inclusive, and professional psychological support services for both students and staff. These services are delivered through dedicated units and form part of the university’s broader strategy to create a sustainable, healthy, and supportive campus environment.
Mental health support at UNS is designed to ensure universal access, combining free and paid services, online and offline delivery, and preventive and curative approaches.
Free and Inclusive Mental Health Support for Students
Sasmita Jiwa UNS
Sasmita Jiwa is a university-provided counseling service that ensures free, professional mental health support for all active students, eliminating financial barriers to care.
Operated under the Directorate of Student Affairs and Alumni, students can access:
- Individual counseling sessions (face-to-face and online)
- Mental health screening and early detection
- Psychological support and interventions
- Mental health awareness and educational programs
Services are delivered by qualified professionals from the Faculty of Psychology, ensuring high standards of care, professionalism, and confidentiality.
Counseling services are available Monday to Friday during working hours and can be accessed through both face-to-face sessions at the campus Medical Center and online consultations, ensuring flexibility and accessibility for all students.
The service operates through a structured system that includes registration, informed consent, and an initial mental health screening, ensuring that each student receives appropriate and professional support.
Through its digital platforms and social media, students can easily register and access services, demonstrating UNS’s commitment to accessible and inclusive healthcare delivery.
This initiative supports student retention and academic success, ensuring that mental health challenges do not become barriers to educational achievement.
Peer Support and Early Intervention System
UNS Mental Health Agents
UNS strengthens its mental health support system by establishing Mental Health Agents (MHA) across all faculties. This program trains selected students to act as peer supporters, enabling early identification and initial support for mental health concerns within the student community.
MHA are equipped with:
- Basic mental health literacy and awareness
- Early detection and screening skills
- Psychological First Aid (PFA) techniques
- Referral pathways to professional counseling services
By placing trained peer supporters at the faculty level, UNS enhances the accessibility and responsiveness of its mental health services. Students can receive early support and be directed to professional services such as Sasmita Jiwa or ULAPSI when needed.
This initiative expands the reach of mental health services through a faculty-based support network, enabling earlier intervention and reducing barriers to accessing professional care. It also strengthens collaboration between student organizations, faculties, and counseling services, forming an integrated mental health support ecosystem across the university.
Professional Psychological Services for Students and Staff
ULAPSI UNS
The Psychological Service Unit (ULAPSI) within the Faculty of Psychology provides comprehensive mental health services to students, staff, and the wider community.
Services include:
- Individual and group counseling/psychotherapy
- Psychological assessments
- Psychoeducation and self-development programs
- Stress management training
All services are delivered by licensed psychologists and certified professionals, ensuring high standards of care, confidentiality, and ethical practice.
ULAPSI adopts a dual-access model:
- Free services for basic consultations and internal community support (including staff wellbeing)
- Paid services for advanced or long-term psychological care
This model ensures that mental health services remain both accessible and sustainable.
Mental Health Support for Staff (Employee Well-Being Program)
UNS ensures that academic and administrative staff have access to structured mental health support as part of its employee well-being framework.
Through ULAPSI, staff can access:
- Free psychological consultations and basic assessments
- Stress management workshops and workplace well-being programs
- Mental health education tailored to professional environments
- Paid access to advanced counseling and psychotherapy services
These services provide a safe, confidential, and supportive environment, contributing to a resilient, productive, and healthy workforce.
Accessibility, Inclusivity, and Digital Access
UNS ensures that mental health services are universally accessible through:
- Availability for both students and staff
- A combination of free and paid services
- Delivery through online and face-to-face formats
- Digital platforms for registration, scheduling, and information access
This approach guarantees equal opportunity to mental healthcare for all members of the university community, including those with limited mobility or time constraints.
Preventive Education and Mental Health Promotion
UNS complements its clinical services with proactive mental health promotion, including:
- Awareness campaigns and psychoeducation programs
- Workshops on stress management and work–life balance
- Integration of mental health education into student and staff development programs
These initiatives promote early intervention, reduce stigma, and foster a supportive campus culture.
Conclusion
By integrating free counseling services and professional psychological support, Universitas Sebelas Maret ensures that both students and staff have access to comprehensive mental health care.
By combining accessibility, professional services, preventive education, and institutional commitment, UNS fosters a sustainable campus environment where mental well-being is recognized as a fundamental component of academic and professional success.
Evidence Links:
Sasmita Jiwa (free student service)
Sasmita Jiwa Instagram (active outreach)
ULAPSI services