What does this research mean for the field?

Both students and counsellors identify limited awareness and stigma as key barriers to university mental health support, while counsellors additionally face systemic constraints such as staffing shortages and unclear referral pathways. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.INCREMENTAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

To examine university mental health support systems through a dyadic perspective capturing the lived experiences of both students and counsellors.

August 22, 2026HealthcareOpen Access

Mental Health Support Services in Universities: A Dyadic Exploration of Students’ and Counsellors’ Perspectives

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Authors

NKNur Natasha KamarudinUniversiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah PTPuteri Fadzline Muhamad TamyezUniversiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah WMWan Khairul Anuar Wan Abd MananUniversiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah

Discussion

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Implication

Qualitative study uncovers shared barriers and structural gaps in university mental health services, highlighting the need for proactive student-centred support.

Key Points

To examine university mental health support systems through a dyadic perspective capturing the lived experiences of both students and counsellors.
Qualitative exploratory study conducted in Malaysia using purposive sampling.
Conducted semi-structured interviews with 15 students receiving mental health support and 10 university counsellors.
Analysed transcripts using hybrid deductive–inductive thematic analysis.
Students sought support primarily after distress disrupted daily functioning, valuing safety and emotional guidance, whereas counsellors focused on assessment and long-term recovery pathways.
Shared barriers included social stigma and limited service awareness, with counsellors noting additional systemic issues such as staff shortages, unclear referral systems, and inadequate institutional backing.
Participants highlighted recommendations for early assessments, digital accessibility, resilience-building programs, and cross-stakeholder university collaboration.

Cite This Study

Kamarudin et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a895effca7ade938187d369 https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14162606

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Implication

Qualitative study uncovers shared barriers and structural gaps in university mental health services, highlighting the need for proactive student-centred support.

Mental Health Support Services in Universities: A Dyadic Exploration of Students’ and Counsellors’ Perspectives

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

Mental Health Support Services in Universities: A Dyadic Exploration of Students’ and Counsellors’ Perspectives

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

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