Psychological Counseling – Confidential, Autonomous, Free of Charge
The Student Advice Centre offer RWTH Aachen students psychological counseling in times of crisis, when encountering personal problems, and for all questions and problems that can compromise one's studies:
- Disruptions to working or learning ability
- Motivation problems
- Exam and assessment anxiety
- Other anxieties
- Mood swings
- Orientation or decision difficulties
- Contact problems
- Crises and conflict situations
To make an appointment, please feel free to contact our consulting team via appointment request form. For all other enquiries, you can call us. Please let us know if you have a specific request for counseling, such as preferred gender of the advisor or counseling in a foreign language. We can offer English, Dutch, and Vietnamese.
| Appointments arranged via appointment request form (all advisors) | Appointment request form |
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Dipl.-Psych. Annika Gehlen |
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| Dipl.-Psych. Kerstin Platt | Phone: +49 241 80 99424 Office Hours: Monday to Friday |
| Dipl.-Psych. Van Tien Tran |
Phone: +49 241 80 99411 |
| Anja Ghouse, M.Sc.-Psych. |
Phone: +49 241 80 99191 |
| Sarah Goerres, M.Sc. | Phone: +49 241 80 92721 Office Hours: Monday to Thursday |
| Judith Ersel, M.Sc. | Phone: +49 241 80 99425 Office Hours: Monday to Thursday |
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All psychological counsellors are fully trained in one of the recognized psychotherapy methods. |
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| Find us here: | Student Advice Center, 3rd Floor, Templergraben 83, Corner of Pontstraße, 52062 Aachen |
| If you cannot reach us: | Please take note of the emergency plan! |
In principle, you are welcome to make an appointment for student counseling independently of any contact with the Psychological Counseling Team if you would like to talk about your study problems in a timely manner.
What We Are Often Asked
What can I do in case of emergency?
If you or another person acutely need help, and you cannot reach anyone else, please contact the institutions in our emergency plan.
Can third parties find out that I have been to psychological counseling?
No. Advising and conversation content remains strictly confidential. This means, that without your clear agreement, no one finds out about your visit from us.
Does counseling cost anything?
No. Our advising is free of charge.
What is the difference between psychological counseling and psychotherapy?
Psychological counseling is recommended for those seeking advice or a way out of a personal crisis. Counselling is a form of preventive, development-oriented support that aims to encourage people to help themselves. Psychotherapy however is different, since it is a form of curative care that aims to heal an illness and requires a psychological disorder to be diagnosed to start therapy.
RWTH’s psychological counselling does not offer psychotherapy and can by no means replace this treatment if it is required. A psychological consultation with us can, however, help you get an initial assessment as to whether you are suffering from a psychological illness and should seek therapy.
How long do I have to wait for an appointment?
You typically have to wait four to five weeks – depending on the number of requests.
At what times do the individual counseling sessions take place?
Individual counseling sessions can be scheduled between 8am and 4pm.
Can I also seek counseling if I am worried about fellow students?
Yes, if you believe that another person needs help or you, yourself are suffering because of mental problems of a fellow student, please contact us.
What can I do if I am worried about a friend and the situation is urgent?
If you are worried about a friend and the situtation is urgent, please take advantage of our psychological (telephone-) advising service. This will allow us to quickly get an idea about the specific situation and discuss any steps that might have to be taken. We will also inform other support agencies as needed.
Outside of business hours and in emergencies or urgent cases of crisis, please don't hesitate to get in touch with the Aachen region psychiatric counseling services - the "Sozialpsychiatrischer Dienst."
Sozialpsychiatrischer Dienst
Trierer Straße 1
52078 Aachen
Telephone: +49 241 5198 5566
Which (topic-specific) self-help options are available for students in the Aachen region?
In addition to the self-help groups organized by VORSCHUB at RWTH, listed on our Studientrainings pages, there is also the Junge Selbsthilfe Aachen. Please visit their website to find out more information.