How To Make An Appointment:  

• Please read the Appointment Information section below.  
• Then complete the registration form to book an appointment in advance. For information on drop-in appointments, please read the Drop-in Appointments section below. 

Appointment Information:

Once you have submitted your registration form, Student Counselling & Development (SCD) will place you on our waiting list. We will email you with an appointment as soon as possible. Waiting times vary during the academic year but on average it may take 2-3 weeks before an appointment is available. There are times when appointments are available immediately, and peak times when the wait may be longer.  

During the semester, appointment hours are Mon-Fri, 9:30am–1.00pm and 2.00pm-4.00pm (latest appointments start at 4pm). The number of sessions offered is determined by the Student Counsellor’s assessment of need and available resources. On average, students have 2-6 sessions.

SCD offers two counselling options to students, in-person and online. Appointment In-Person: Our reception is located on the ground floor of 3 Brighton Villas, Western Road (Map). Please go to the Reception Office to check in. Your counsellor will collect you from the waiting room at the scheduled time. Appointment Online: If you choose an online appointment, you will be sent instructions on using Microsoft Teams when your appointment is scheduled. Details are also available in conditions of service use.

You must be in the Republic of Ireland to avail of an appointment. If you have any questions about counselling, please go to counselling and crisis support information or you can email us at counselling@ucc.ie Students are asked to use their Umail account when contacting SCD. Sensitive information should not be included in emails. 

Drop-in Appointments:

For the month of April, SCD is introducing a new drop-in slot that students can use for their first appointment. This is to provide some flexibility and improve access for students who want to come for counselling and for those already waiting for their first appointment. 

 When?   Drop-in assessment slots will be open during term-time at 12 midday on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Where?   Come to SCD Reception at The Mental Health & Wellbeing Hub, 3 Brighton Villas, Western Rd at 11.45 to request a drop-in Initial Appointment. 

How?   If you haven't already submitted an intake form, please complete SCD’s registration form and then just turn up. We will have a number of slots available at 12pm so the first few students to arrive at Counselling Reception will get the slots.  

 Frequently Asked Questions: 

 I’m already on the counselling waiting list - can I drop in?    Yes - if you are waiting for your initial assessment, you can come in during drop-in and ask to be seen.  

I missed my recent appointment with my counsellor – can I just come during the drop-in hour instead?   No – drop-in is only for Initial Assessment appointments.  

Can I book the drop-in slot by phoning or emailing ahead of time?    No - the drop-in appointment will only be given to a student who arrives at our building and requests it.  

I arrived but all the drop-in slots were full - what can I do?   You can ask to be added to our waiting list; try again on the next drop-in day; or wait in the building in case a last-minute cancellation opens up.  

Can I do an online drop-in?    No - this is an in-person offering only. 

Why do I need to complete your intake form before being allocated an appointment?   We need to get some basic details from you, to confirm you are a registered student, and to give you our conditions of service before seeing you.  

What happens after my initial appointment?    The counsellor you meet will discuss your needs and support options with you. Please note that because SCD is a term-time service the number of appointments available for you before Summer will be limited. You may be signposted to appropriate external supports, workshops etc.