Mental health programs

Learn about common mental health issues, and how to support others that may be going through a difficult time.

Clinical group programs

Social anxiety group program

This is a cognitive behavioural program designed to treat social anxiety.

Social anxiety involves significant fear or avoidance of one or more social situations, and can be disruptive to day-to-day life. In this program, you'll be given the tools you need to help you manage social anxiety.

Description
The program combines online reading materials with group sessions, and uses a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy approach. It's an active program, with sessions focusing on reinforcing concepts, group discussions, and gradually introducing exposure tasks.

When
Dates are listed on the Expression of Interest form

Where
Clayton campus

Duration
Eight weeks (one session per week)

Session style
Group sessions, with a maximum of eight participants

Facilitator
Dr Sophia Gozzi, Clinical Psychologist

Open to
Monash students only

Cost
Free


Expression of Interest form

It's important you feel ready to address your social anxiety before starting the program. We ask that you commit to attending all eight sessions, and complete the tasks in between. But don’t worry, we’re here to support you along the way.

If you think this program might be right for you, please fill out the expression of interest form. We'll contact you to schedule a quick call (about 20 minutes) to talk about the program and make sure it's a good fit for you.

Managing worries and rumination group program

This is an evidence-based metacognitive group treatment program designed to assist participants in managing chronic worrying and rumination.

Everyone worries and has negative thoughts sometimes, but some people experience chronic worry or persistent negative thoughts that distresses them and impacts their daily lives.

If you spend a lot of time worrying or ruminating, and you find it difficult to switch off from those thoughts, you might benefit from this group treatment program.

When
Dates are listed on the Expression of Interest form

Where
Clayton campus

Duration
Seven weeks (six weekly sessions plus one extra session)

Session style
Group sessions, with a maximum of eight participants

Facilitator
Dr Sophia Gozzi, Clinical Psychologist

Open to
Monash students only

Cost
Free


Expression of Interest form

It's important you feel ready to address these feelings before starting the program. We ask that you commit to attending all seven sessions, and complete the tasks in between. But don’t worry, we’re here to support you along the way.

If you think this program might be right for you, please fill out the expression of interest form. We'll contact you to schedule a quick call (about 20 minutes) to talk about the program and make sure it's a good fit for you.

Thriving under the spotlight – addressing anxiety in performance situations at uni and work

This group therapy program uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy techniques to help you learn to manage anxiety related to performance situations in academic and employment settings.

It's common for students to feel anxious about performance situations at university, such as:

  • contributing to discussions during tutorials
  • asking a lecturer a question
  • attending or participating in team meetings
  • giving a presentation
  • applying for jobs
  • attending networking events or job interviews
  • having your work read or seen by others.

If your anxiety in these situations is due to fear of being judged by your peers, lecturers, tutors, or employers, then you might benefit from participating in this group program.

Anxiety related to performance situations can really impact how well you do at university and how much you enjoy your time at Monash. But don't worry – you're not alone. The Performing at Your Peak at Uni group therapy program is a great opportunity to learn how to manage your anxiety surrounding performance situations in academic and work settings.

Description
This program uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy techniques, and includes both reading materials and group sessions. In the group sessions, you'll participate in discussions, practice what you've learned, and gradually work on exposure tasks. These activities will help you understand and apply the concepts more effectively.

When
To be confirmed – subject to expressions of interest

Where
Caulfield and Clayton campuses

Duration
Eight weeks (one session per week)

Session style
Group sessions, with a maximum of eight participants

Facilitator
Dr Sophia Gozzi, Clinical Psychologist

Open to
Monash students only

Cost
Free


Expression of Interest form

It's important you feel ready to address your academic performance anxiety. We ask that you commit to attending all seven sessions, and complete the tasks in between. We’ll support you throughout the process.

If you think this program might be right for you, fill out the expression of interest form and we’ll contact you to schedule an intake call (about 30 minutes) to make sure it's a good fit for you.

Mental Health programs

Study skills programs

A suite of free online modules designed to improve our academic performance, employability and leadership skills. Each module takes one to two hours to complete. 'Staying Motivated' and 'Exambusters' face-to-face seminars are also available.

Better Friends Training

A peer-designed and peer-led program that strengthens your capacity to both normalise and have more conversations around mental health. You’ll learn to recognise the role you can play in bridging the gap between peers with mental health concerns, and reaching out for professional mental health support. You'll participate in scenario-based activities specific to your role, and come away with resources on protecting your own mental health as a leader, particularly through setting boundaries.

It's expected that, as a result of the training, you'll see positive shifts in:

  • attitudes towards mental health
  • knowledge around prevalence around mental health issues
  • confidence to normalise conversations around mental health
  • knowledge around stigma associated with mental health
  • confidence to take action to set boundaries.

To stay up-to-date with new training sessions, visit the myDevelopment portal. For enquiries, email betterfriends@monash.edu.

Mental health literacy programs

Changing Minds – enrol in Moodle

This online program is highly interactive and developed specifically for students. It aims to provide strategies for self-care and make you aware of common mental health issues. You'll also learn about support services and programs within Monash and the wider community.

Introduction to Mental Health – enrol in Moodle

This module will explain how to approach and have a conversation about mental health when you are concerned about someone. You will also learn about the crisis situation where someone might be thinking suicide and steps to help.

safeTALK – suicide prevention

For anyone who wants to help prevent suicide and contribute to a safer community. The training runs for three and a half hours and aims to make you alert to the signs of suicide.

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)

This training is to equip you with a range of skills and strategies to provide help to someone experiencing a mental health issue. The program is internationally recognised, and on successful completion of the training, you'll receive a certificate of accreditation for three years.