HP 2.1 – Mental Health Support for Students

Healthy University Rating System (HURS)

University : Siam University

Country : Thailand

Web Address : https://sustainability.siam.edu

HP 2 Mental Health

HP 2.2 Comprehensive Mental Health Assessment Programs

HP 2.2.1 Mental health support for students (Year: 2024-2025)

Mental Health Assessment Form, Faculty of Nursing

(Left) Faculty Order appointing a Mental Health Advisory Committee and

(Right) Mental Health Assessment Form, Faculty of Pharmacy
1. Mental Health Assessment and Support Programs
2. Onsite servicea nd Online application for health advices
including mental health support
Access to mental health support (Siam University,
Thailand)

Description:

Siam University provides students with access to mental health support, for example,

  1. The Mental Health Assessment and Support Programs. The Faculty of Nursing emphasizes the development of emotional intelligence (EQ), which is closely related to behavior and personality expression. Emotional intelligence can be observed through voice tone, language, eye contact, gestures, and the ability to perceive and manage both one’s own emotions and those of others in interpersonal interactions. Therefore, students entering these programs must demonstrate good mental health, physical health, and emotional stability. To ensure this, the Faculty requires medical and mental health for students. The objective is to ensure that the students are physically and mentally fit to become competent healthcare professionals capable of contributing to the health and well-being of the nation. In practice, the Faculty of Nursing requires an interview and comprehensive physical and mental health examinations. In the academic year 2024 (B.E. 2567), ten faculty members from the Faculty of Nursing participated in conducting these evaluations, in collaboration with the Mobile Health Screening Center of Thonburi Hospital.

The Faculty of Pharmacy reported its mental health support and advisory operations for students in the academic year 2024 (B.E. 2567). The faculty appointed a Mental Health Advisory Committee for pharmacy students, which has been continuously active since the academic year 2020 (B.E. 2563). The committee provides consultation and emotional support services for students with mental health concerns. In addition, the Faculty also promotes professional development among committee members and lecturers by encouraging participation in training programs on counseling skills for supporting students with psychological difficulties, while the students are encouraged to periodically conduct self-assessments of their mental health using standardized tools: 9Q Depression Screening Questionnaire (for assessing depressive symptoms) and GAD-7 (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, for assessing anxiety levels). Academic advisors play a key role in providing initial counseling and guidance. Students who complete the self-assessment may participate in group activities promoting positive mental health, including: Art therapy (coloring), Aromatherapy sessions, Self-development workshops (e.g., grounding, relaxation, and breathing exercises), Self-exploration activities (identifying personal strengths, weaknesses, and life goals), and Support System for Students Requiring Special Care. Furthermore, the

Faculty of Pharmacy has established a structured system to support students with significant mental health challenges:

  • Referral to the Mental Health Committee: Academic advisors may recommend that students with mental health concerns voluntarily meet with the Mental Health Advisory Committee for specialized counseling and emotional support.

  • Continuous Monitoring and Referral: The committee provides ongoing emotional and psychological counseling, monitors students’ progress, and offers medication-related advice (if applicable). When necessary, students are referred to external mental health professionals such as clinical psychologists or psychiatrists for further consultation and medical care.

Through these initiatives, both the Faculty of Nursing and the Faculty of Pharmacy are committed to fostering students’ holistic well-being and ensuring that future healthcare professionals are physically and mentally prepared to deliver quality care and compassion to patients and the broader community.

  1. Onsite service and Online application for health and mental health support. Siam University provides services at Health Center. However, if the students want more privacy, an online application with a QR code has been provided by the Faculty of Nursing to increase better and anonymous health advice in such case as mental health support as well as other health advice. Moreover, individual advisor is also assigned to provide preventive health support for the students or staff who might have mental health problem.