The Men’s Health and Wellbeing program is one of the specialist services at Student Health, Wellbeing & Inclusion, aimed at supporting the diverse needs of our students. An important part of this program is providing counselling specifically designed for men.
Our Senior Coordinator of Men’s Health, Wellbeing and Counselling, psychologist Jason Campbell, describes what is on offer:
“The Men’s Health and Wellbeing program recognises the unique mental health challenges men face today and is mindful of the stigma in society that might hold guys back from connecting with professional support. Our program seeks to empower the men of La Trobe to achieve their goals, and optimise their mental health and quality of life”.
Why is a wellbeing program specifically for men important?
Beyondblue reports that at least one-third of young people experience challenges with their mental health by the time they’re 25 years old.
More than 70% of men experience issues with mental health but when it comes to accessing support services, less than 20% see their GP about mental health.
Tragically, men are also three times more likely to complete suicide.
We want to help change that.
Men seeking & finding support – both are not always easy!
We understand that sometimes men can find it challenging to seek out support. But that is not the whole story.
Many men report that when they do decide to engage in counselling the services available don’t feel like the right fit for them.
Support for the Men of La Trobe
La Trobe University’s Men’s Health & Wellbeing service is designed to provide dedicated male-specific counselling with a psychologist trained in working with guys and who is passionate about men’s wellbeing.
Men seek counselling each and every day at our service. The reasons for seeking counselling and the support received is as individual as the men we see. It might be for maintaining good mental health, men’s related issues or for guys that have a preference to see a male counsellor. Counselling is relaxed, easygoing, confidential and tailored specifically for you and what you want to achieve.
Jason points out: “Thankfully as men, we are learning to be more flexible in our beliefs about looking after ourselves and see seeking counselling as a strength and a way to increase independence”.
More information:
Men’s wellbeing counselling is available in person (Melbourne (Bundoora) campus) or via Zoom (all campuses). Visit the Men’s Health and Wellbeing website to make an appointment.
If you need more immediate or crisis support, use our La Trobe University Crisis Line for Out-of-Hours Mental Health and Wellbeing Support. Phone 1300 146 307 or text 0488 884 100. This service operates 5pm-9am on weekdays and 24 hours during weekends and public holidays.