Mental Health Support Services at ASU Bahrain (SDG 3.3.2 – Good Health and Well-being)

Institutional Counseling Services for Students

Applied Science University (ASU) in Bahrain provides free on-campus mental health counseling through a dedicated Counseling Office under the Directorate of Student Affairs [1]. This office is staffed by qualified personnel who offer confidential guidance and psychological support to students, with the ability to involve professional mental health specialists if needed [1]. The services are designed to help students address personal, academic, or emotional challenges in a safe and non-judgmental environment. Importantly, these counseling services are offered at no cost to students as part of ASU’s student support system (indicating the university’s commitment to accessible well-being resources). The University actively encourages students experiencing anxiety or persistent stress to reach out to the Counselling Office, emphasizing that staff are “here to listen…and help” without hesitation [1]. All counseling interactions are treated with strict confidentiality, ensuring students can seek help freely and with trust [2].

–Range of Counseling Services

ASU’s Counselling Office offers comprehensive support catering to various student needs [2]. Key services include:

• Educational Counseling – monitoring students’ academic progress and resolving any learning difficulties that hinder achievement[2].
• Social Counseling – fostering positive social attitudes and helping students address social or personal issues constructively[2].
• Psychological Counseling – providing one-on-one psychological assistance and emotional counseling to students in need[2].
• Preventive Counseling – raising awareness to preempt potential problems (psychological, health-related, or social) and to maintain students’ positive well-being habits[2].
• Group Counseling – facilitating group therapy sessions for students with common goals or concerns, allowing them to build self-confidence, communication skills, and peer support networks in a guided setting[2].

All of these services are free of charge for ASU students and are aimed at promoting a healthy, supportive campus atmosphere. The Counseling Office’s holistic approach – educational, social, psychological, and preventive – underscores ASU’s recognition that mental health is a fundamental component of student success and well-being [1].

Mental Health Workshops and Wellness Programs

Beyond individual counseling, ASU Bahrain actively organizes wellness workshops, training sessions, and awareness lectures on mental health topics throughout the academic year. These initiatives – open to students and often to staff – are provided as part of the university’s commitment to well-being, with no additional cost for participants. The content of these programs addresses common challenges such as stress management, resilience building, anxiety reduction, and healthy coping strategies. For example, the University’s Training Centre arranged a “Stress Management” workshop tailored for administrative staff, alumni, and the local community, which focused on job burnout and coping strategies. This workshop explored the causes of work-related stress and taught practical stress management techniques that employees could use in daily life. By offering guidance on time management and self-care, the session equipped participants with tools to reduce stress and improve their work-life balance. Such events are typically led by experienced instructors or psychologists, and demonstrate ASU’s proactive approach in extending mental health education to its wider community, not just current students.

ASU also integrates mental health topics into its academic partnerships and staff development programs. In 2022, for instance, the University hosted a specialized workshop entitled “How to Support Students at Risk – Student Mental Health, Embedded Wellbeing and Supporting Students at Risk.” This training, delivered in collaboration with London South Bank University, educated faculty and staff on factors affecting student mental health and evidence-based strategies to support students’ cognitive, emotional, and social well-being [3]. By training educators in early intervention and support techniques, ASU ensures that its staff are prepared to recognize and assist students facing mental health challenges. These workshops underscore that mental health awareness is integrated into professional development at ASU, aligning with the university’s strategic goal of creating a supportive learning environment.

Student and Staff Engagement in Well-Being Initiatives

ASU Bahrain cultivates an inclusive approach to mental health that involves students, staff, and even student-led organizations. Student Affairs units and student clubs frequently collaborate to promote mental well-being on campus. The University’s Counselling Office and Student Services Office regularly partner with the Student Council and other student groups to plan health and wellness events [4]. One notable example was the “Stronger Together” health awareness event held in October 2024 in conjunction with World Mental Health Day [4]. This event – under the patronage of the University President – was co-organized by the Counseling Office alongside the Student Services Office, in collaboration with the campus Health Unit, the Women’s Club, and the Student Council (17th cycle) [4]. The involvement of the Student Council and a student club demonstrates active student leadership in advocating for mental health. Such collaboration ensures that programming is relevant to student needs and encourages peer-to-peer support. Students are not merely recipients of services but are empowered as partners in creating a campus culture that values mental wellness.

Faculty and administrative staff are also engaged in ASU’s mental health agenda. The university acknowledges that staff may face stress or workplace pressures, and thus includes employees in its well-being campaigns [1]. At the “Stronger Together” event, for example, students, academic faculty, and administrative staff all participated enthusiastically in the day’s wellness activities [4]. The event offered free on-site health services, including free medical check-ups and consultations by visiting healthcare professionals, providing both students and staff direct access to medical advice and mental health consultations on campus [4]. An expert-led awareness lecture titled “The Impact of Positive Thinking and the Components of Happiness on Mental Health” was delivered to a large audience in the University’s Abdulla Nass Hall, focusing on how positive mindset can enhance personal happiness and long-term mental health [4]. These activities not only educated attendees on mental well-being but also fostered a sense of community support. The inclusion of staff in such initiatives indicates that ASU’s mental health support is universal within the institution, addressing well-being as a shared responsibility among students and employees. Moreover, ASU’s internal communications stress workplace mental health: the University has been “educating both its staff and students… by creating more awareness about mental health in the workplace and among students”, especially in light of challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic [1]. This comprehensive approach ensures that both students and staff have access to knowledge, support, and resources to manage stress and seek help when needed.

Community Outreach and Public Awareness

Aligned with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), ASU Bahrain extends its mental health efforts beyond the campus to benefit the broader community. The University has demonstrated a commitment to public outreach by partnering with healthcare providers and participating in national awareness campaigns. The October 2024 “Stronger Together” event, for example, brought in medical professionals from various local hospitals and clinics to campus, creating a public forum to discuss breast cancer and mental health wellness [4]. Attendees from both within and outside the university gained direct access to expert advice on mental health and preventive care, underlining ASU’s role as a community health advocate. Earlier initiatives likewise have invited members of the local community – such as alumni or neighboring residents – to join workshops on managing stress and building resilience, reflecting ASU’s sense of social responsibility.

ASU is also forming partnerships with external organizations to amplify mental health awareness. The university indicates it seeks collaboration with “relevant bodies and institutions to create more awareness about mental health issues” in society [1]. By reaching out to local community groups and national health programs, ASU helps destigmatize mental illness and encourages open dialogue on mental well-being beyond its own student body. This outward-facing strategy includes hosting public seminars and participating in health campaigns (for example, combining Breast Cancer Awareness Month activities with World Mental Health Day observances) to highlight the interconnection of physical and mental health [4]. In the words of ASU’s leadership, the goal of these efforts is not only to educate individuals but also “to empower them to take charge of their health”, reinforcing the idea that a supportive community can enhance personal well-being [4].

Crucially, all the mental health support services and events mentioned are offered free of charge to participants, aligning with ASU’s mission to provide accessible health and wellness resources. Whether it is personal counseling for a student, a training workshop for staff, or a public awareness lecture for the community, no fees are levied for these support services, ensuring equitable access for all who may benefit. This free provision is a testament to ASU Bahrain’s commitment to good health and well-being (SDG 3) and specifically addresses THE Impact Rankings indicator 3.3.2, which examines universities’ support for mental health.

Conclusion

Applied Science University – Bahrain offers free mental health support services to both its students and staff through a multifaceted approach. The on-campus Counseling Office delivers confidential counseling and psychological support without charge, encompassing academic, emotional, and social guidance for students [1] [2]. Alongside individualized counseling, ASU runs regular wellness workshops, training sessions, and awareness events on mental health topics – all open to the university community at no cost [1] [4]. These initiatives actively involve student clubs, the student council, faculty, and staff, fostering a campus-wide culture of mental wellness and mutual support [4]. Furthermore, ASU extends its impact outward by hosting public health events and collaborating with external health partners to promote mental well-being in the broader community [1] [4]. The clear message across all these efforts is that mental health matters at ASU: help is available for free, stigma is being challenged through education, and everyone in the university — students and employees alike — is encouraged to seek support for their well-being. This comprehensive, inclusive, and free-of-charge support structure underscores ASU Bahrain’s alignment with SDG 3.3.2, affirming its role in advancing good health and well-being within and beyond its campus community.

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