Demand for counselling services is growing in higher education

A study by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy claims the number of staff seeking help in older universities has increased from 18% to 42% over the past three years.

The research also found counselling budgets for students had fallen.

The survey warns the growth in students numbers is not being met by funding for counselling services.

Although funding budgets have increased over the past 10 years, in real terms, the budgets fell by 21% in older universities, 30% in newer universities and 14% in further education colleges, the survey suggests.

Many students were found to have to wait more than 10 days for an appointment with a therapist, with 9% in newer universities as opposed to 3% in older establishments having such a wait.

Depression appears to be the main problem facing students, accounting for 48% of cases in older universities and 27% in newer universities.

Work-related problems

The research found 55% of staff in newer universities reported work-related concerns last academic year, while 38% of staff in older universities had such problems.

However, the number of older university staff with work problems seems to be falling - in the previous academic year previous, 50% had such concerns.

Administrative and clerical staff in newer universities appear to be the most stressed, accounting for 65% of those seeking counselling compared with 26% in older universities.

John Cowley from the association said: "The numbers of students utilising counselling continues to rise, and that is reflected in longer waiting lists.

"The numbers of severely distressed students, although small, continues to rise. Counselling services are also expected to stretch to looking after staff as well as students," he said.

"Whilst this is welcomed, as it demonstrates that counselling has reached maturity and acceptance, it comes at a cost."