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How we can help

The mental health advisory and autism service at Birkbeck is here to provide you with specialist advice and support in a safe, non-judgemental environment. 

The emphasis of our work is on practical support, rather than therapeutic interventions, to enable and enhance your student experience. Our aim is to ensure that you feel supported and that as a result you achieve your academic potential.   

We are not a crisis service and therefor unable to provide emergency appointments or immediate support. To access emergency services please visit our mental health crisis and emergency support page. 

We are a student-centred service, we understand that each student is different and we aim to support your individual needs.   

Who we support

  • Our team offers specialist advice and support if you have a mental health condition or autism which is currently impacting on your ability to study and engage with the College community. We help students with the following conditions, although this list is not exhaustive: 
    • Mental health conditions
      • Anxiety disorders, panic and phobias
      • Mood disorders, such as depression or bipolar
      • Eating disorders, such as anorexia or bulimia
      • Personality disorders
      • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
      • Schizo-affective disorders
      • Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)
      • Trauma, PTSD, CPTSD
    • Autism
      • Autism
      • Asperger Syndrome

How we help you

  • Our team of mental health advisers are able to support you in the following ways: 
    • offering you an initial consultation
    • giving regular supportive contact, advice and guidance
    • collaborating with other internal support services to ensure you have an appropriate adjusted Study Support Plan in place
    • collaborating with external support services, NHS and crisis teams
    • referring you to an independent mentoring service for continued support. 

Mental Health Advisory Service events

FINANCIAL SUPPORT 

  • If you have a diagnosed mental health condition or autism, you may be eligible to apply for the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA), which provides funding to meet the cost of disability-related study costs (eligibility applies to UK and some EU students who are studying undergraduate and postgraduate courses). The application process can take up to three months, so we advise you apply once you have accepted your offer of a place on a course.

Other on-site support

  • To ensure reasonable adjustments are made by your faculty, we encourage students to complete a Study Support Plan (SPP). 
  • Students with a SPP have access to the library disability team and resources. Please take the time to learn what is on offer.
  • The Wellbeing Corner is an area for reflection and calm located in the Library's silent study area on the second floor. It includes a selection of books and leaflets to support your health and wellbeing which have been recommended by Birkbeck’s Wellbeing Services. You can borrow the books listed on this guide and consult the self-help leaflets in the Library. On this guide, the books have been divided by topics. The right book can help you gain clarity on your situation and better manage your feelings.  There is also a box of sensory toys for you to use. Squishing, pulling or stretching these calming tools helps relieve stress, combat anxiety and improve focus and patience. 
  • In the event of an emergency evacuation, we want to be able to support you. If you have a condition that delays your recognition of the fire alarm or your response to it, please contact Health and Safety Services by or on +44 (0)20 7631 6218 to arrange a personal emergency evacuation plan. 
  • If you have concerns about your mental health or autism, and you are struggling to manage your studies, please complete the mental health and autism service registration form.