Counselling and mental health clinic opens at York St John University

General counselling for a range of difficulties including depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, relationship problems, bereavement and loss, is available at the clinic. There is also a specialist counselling service for victims of domestic violence and an anger management group.

As part of its remit within the university, the clinic aims to undertake high quality, practice-derived and evidence-based outcome research on client services. This will enable the accumulation of practice-based case study research and, longer term, will facilitate clinical trials. The clinic will provide students with opportunities for clinical and research placements, enhancing their graduate attributes and employability.

Day-to-day clinic management is led by the clinic directors, Lynne Gabriel, Associate Professor of Counselling and Reader in Counselling, Coaching and Ethics and Hazel James, Head of Programme for Counselling, Coaching and Mentoring. They are supported by a team of specialist counsellors, researchers and student research assistants. The clients are offered up to 20 sessions after an initial face to face consultation to assess their needs. Counselling fees are based on a sliding scale depending upon a client's annual income, from £5 to £50 per session.

The clinic runs a part-time, appointment based, counselling service on a Wednesday evening, from 6.30pm to 9.30pm. It is located in the wellbeing suite on the ground floor of the Holgate Building, on York St John’s Lord Mayor’s Walk campus. NHS, voluntary and private sector agencies can refer clients to the clinic, or individuals can choose to refer themselves. Clients can make an appointment through calling the clinic on 01904 876072 and leaving a message on a confidential telephone line, or emailing the clinic at ysjcc@yorksj.ac.uk

Lynne Gabriel, Clinic Director said:

“We were delighted to have York St John’s support to drive forward on the clinic venture. What we are offering here is unique in the university sector – a specialist counselling and mental health service for victims of domestic violence. Importantly, we provide general counselling that is low-cost and evidence based, to the citizens of York and North Yorkshire. We can provide student placements and create opportunities for staff-student research projects, aimed at developing knowledge and enhancing good practice. The clinic brings together colleagues from across a range of mental health, allied health and psychology disciplines, to foster interdisciplinary practice and research, aimed at enhancing and innovating therapeutic services to local and regional citizens.”