Counseling Services

The Counseling and Mental Wellness Office provides counseling and psycho education to Machakos University students on a voluntary and confidential basis, in a safe, caring and nonjudgmental space. The office is mandated/committed to help students deal with dilemmas and personal problems so that they might have a more productive University experience.

There is no commitment involved in an initial meeting, and sitting down with a counselor is often the best way to decide if counseling might be useful.  The office has professional counselors who are trained in ways of listening to and clarifying various life dilemmas.

Counseling Services for Students

Our counseling services are dedicated to fostering students’ personal development, emotional, and psychological well-being in a professional and confidential environment. We offer a comprehensive range of services, including:

• Individual and group counseling
• Crisis intervention and brief consultation with counselors 24/7 by phone (Tele counseling)
• Workshops, outreach and mentorship programs
• Consultation with other departments for the students’ best interests
• Life skills training
• Peer counselor training
• Referral services to off-campus treatment providers

These services are provided at no cost to students.

Issues addressed

Students come to the Counseling Officer for reasons including but not limited to: adjusting to University, personal or emotional concerns, relationship problems, family concerns, drugs and substance abuse, addiction, bothersome moods or simply a wish to know more about oneself.

Counsellors play a crucial role in supporting students by:

• Offering guidance on mental health and social challenges.
• Delivering professional counseling to address various student needs.
• Identifying and addressing issues early enough before they escalate.
• Supporting students with special needs to ensure they receive appropriate education and care.
• Offering immediate support for students facing urgent issues.
• Connecting students with resources and educating them about mental health concerns.
• Maintaining academic standards through setting and upholding goals for academic success.
• Helping students improve organization, study habits, and time management among other life skills.
• Assisting students in navigating personal issues that may impact their academics or relationships.
• Enhancing students’ ability to interact positively with others.
• Providing support for students dealing with violence, accidents, or trauma.
• Identifying students’ interests, strengths, and aptitudes through assessments.

By addressing these areas, counsellors foster a supportive and nurturing environment that promotes students’ overall well-being and academic success.

Referrals

 If the difficulty in question is beyond our resources (for example a problem that deserves referral like drugs addiction), the Counseling Office can refer students to other sources of help.

We take the confidentiality of our work very seriously as guided by the counseling code of ethics. 

Confidentiality Statement

Coming to the Counseling Office is your own free and private choice.  The Counsellors are willing to see or speak with parents/Guardian when need be, but only with students’ consent. 

What is discussed in this setting is protected by ethical standards. With a few important exceptions, all materials are Confidential and cannot be released to anyone outside the Counseling Office without your written consent.

There are however a few exemptions:

1. Ethically and legally, if there is a reasonable possibility that you might harm yourself or others, the Counsellor is responsible to inform others (including authorities if deemed necessary) in order to protect you or others.
2. Information subpoenaed by court will be given as required by law.
3. In case of suspected abuse, the Counselor will be required to report this information to the proper authorities.

Sessions scheduling

Sessions are scheduled based on what might be most practical and helpful.  Some students get what they need with one or two sessions; others might continue longer. 

Make an Appointment

We are here to support you in every way possible. If you ever feel the need to talk, share, or seek guidance, our counseling services are available for you. Whether it’s academic stress, personal issues, or just needing someone to listen, we are here to help.

Join us for a counseling session and take the first step towards a brighter, more balanced future. Your well-being is our priority, and we are committed to providing the support you need.

In case of a crisis, or if the situation is urgent, please let us know so that a counsellor can assist you as soon as possible, regardless of the stipulated working hours.  

Call 0110509895 for Counseling Services.

Email: counseling@mksu.ac.ke.

Online Session Booking