Average wait time for University mental health support skyrockets

An investigation by Hillhead Review has found that waiting times for the University of Glasgow mental health services have increased by 600 percent.

Content warning: mentions of suicide and self-harm 

The waiting lists for students to receive help with their mental health following initial consultation is around twelve weeks long, with many waiting significantly longer, Hillhead Review can reveal. 

The University has historically had one of the longest waiting lists for mental health services in Scotland. However, this has drastically increased over the past two years. In 2023, the average waiting time for mental health support was two weeks, an increase of 600% compared to today’s twelve weeks. 

Despite the significant increase in waiting time, many students are waiting even longer. One student told Hillhead Review that they were referred for Gender-Based Violence counselling in September, and are yet to hear from the Wellbeing Team. They were forced to seek help privately. 

Hillhead Review can reveal that aside from the increase in waiting times, the University’s mental health services are often failing to provide students with the help they need entirely.

Another student referred themself for counseling on 3 February, admitting concerns that they were at risk from self-harm. The Student Wellbeing Team told them that they will be waiting for at least six-eight weeks, and the student has not heard anything since. 

The University Advice Line allegedly ignored one student’s phone call in October. They never received a follow-up call. 

Many students are slipping through cracks entirely, and not receiving the support they need. Despite new rigorous attendance-taking methods, one student told Hillhead Review that they had stopped going to classes due to a severe downturn in their mental health, causing them to begin self-harming. It took four months before the University flagged that the student had not been attending classes or submitting work. “I could have been dead for all they knew.”

The same student reached out to the mental health services, detailing their plans to commit suicide. When Student Wellbeing called, they were asleep. The student told Hillhead Review that they were sent a strongly worded email, and have not heard anything since. 

Many students who eventually receive support have suggested the mental health services are inadequate. One participant told Hillhead Review that the counselling revolves around studies rather than mental health, suggesting; “It's not for the person, it's for the student.”

Earlier this academic year, an investigation revealed that students were offered little help with addiction and substance misuse, and can even be expelled for the use or supply of drugs. This is in stark contrast to the treatment of staff, who are offered support in dealing with the same problem.  

The University of Glasgow said, "The health, safety and wellbeing of students and colleagues is the University’s prime concern. We continue to review our approach and have strengthened our support services by adding school based student support officers, a dedicated safeguarding team and an NHS partnership, creating a clear pathway for direct referrals to NHS services. 

"We provide 24/7 access to counsellors via a dedicated helpline and improved triage processes in our Counselling & Wellbeing Service ensure that referrals for ongoing therapy are reviewed and actioned promptly, prioritising those in greatest need. We review all referrals within two working days and respond to any urgent need immediately."

Published 17 March 2025