Nazarbayev University recognizes psychological well-being as an integral part of overall health and a fulfilling university experience. The University strives to create an environment where students, faculty and staff can receive timely professional support, care for their emotional well-being, and seek help during difficult life situations.
The University offers a range of mental health support measures, including individual psychological counseling, preventive and educational programs, awareness-raising initiatives, and support in crisis situations.
Students, faculty and staff can receive psychological support through the NU Psychological Counseling Service (PCS). Clinical mental health services, including psychiatric care, are also available through the University Health Center and other appropriate healthcare channels.
Psychological Counseling Service
The Psychological Counseling Service (PCS) provides confidential psychological support to students, faculty and staff, helping individuals maintain mental well-being, navigate personal, academic and work-related challenges, and access timely professional support.
Services include triage consultations, individual and group counselling, crisis counselling, psychosocial support, and multidisciplinary support for complex cases.
Support is available for concerns including stress and anxiety, emotional difficulties, adjustment, academic or workplace pressure, relationship and family concerns, sleep difficulties, grief and loss, self-esteem, depression, burnout and other psychological or psychosocial challenges.
Specialized support is also provided in complex or sensitive situations, including harassment, bullying, domestic, sexual, gender-based, psychological or physical violence and other circumstances affecting safety and well-being.
PCS works with relevant University services and healthcare professionals when additional or multidisciplinary support is required, with attention to accessible support for international students and people with disabilities or special needs.
All psychological counselling services are provided on a confidential basis.
Mental Health Education & Training
Building knowledge, resilience and a supportive community
Alongside psychological support services, the University provides educational and preventive programmes designed to strengthen mental health literacy, build resilience, reduce stigma, encourage early help-seeking and contribute to a supportive and psychologically safe University environment.
PCS delivers training sessions, workshops, seminars, lectures, webinars and awareness activities. Key areas include mental health literacy and early recognition; stress management and emotional resilience; burnout prevention; healthy relationships and communication; crisis awareness and response; suicide prevention and early intervention; supporting others and referral skills; and psychological safety, inclusion and belonging.
Targeted initiatives such as Red Folder training provide practical guidance on how to recognize, respond to and refer to individuals who may be experiencing distress or a mental health crisis.
PROMOTE → EDUCATE → RECOGNIZE → RESPOND → REFER
Mental Health Hotline
The On-Duty Consultant (Triage Service) serves as the first point of contact. Following an initial assessment, the consultant helps determine the appropriate level of support and, where necessary, refers the individual to a psychologist, psychiatrist or other relevant specialist.
Working hours: Monday–Friday, 08:30–17:30
Telegram: +7 775 75 938 44
Email: nu_counseling@nu.edu.kz
If you are unable to attend a scheduled consultation, please cancel or reschedule it no later than 24 hours in advance.
You can do this by:
• emailing nu_counseling@nu.edu.kz;
• contacting the on-duty counselor via Telegram.
Crisis Support
If a person is experiencing acute psychological distress or there is concern about immediate safety, timely professional support should be sought.
During PCS working hours, contact the Psychological Counseling Service for urgent assessment and guidance. If there is an immediate threat to life or safety, contact emergency services without delay.
Outside regular working hours, use the emergency and out-of-hours contacts listed in the Emergency & Out-of-Hours Support section.
Confidentiality
Contacts with the Psychological Counseling Service are confidential. Students and employees may use PCS services and receive professional psychological support in a safe and respectful environment.
Our psychologists strive to be attentive to the individual experiences, feelings and needs of every person who seeks support.
