Psychological counselling and mental health

Source: https://www.tuwien.at/en/studies/student-support/psychological-counselling-and-mental-health Parent: https://www.tuwien.at/en/studies/studies/prospective-students

In the course of your studies, situations can sometimes arise in which you feel particularly stressed or even overwhelmed. In these situations it is good to get support!

With the psychosocial student counselling service, TU Wien has created a special service for TU students to help them cope with stressful situations and to strengthen their own abilities to deal with current and future challenges and problems.

Psychological consultation hour (Internal)

Individual Counseling (External)

Group Offers

Skills and further information

Events

Psychological consultation hour

The Psychological Consultation Hour is an internal TU service for students. It provides a one-on-one setting where students can discuss study-related or personal challenges with a clinical psychologist and work together to find solutions.

Each student can book up to three counseling sessions of 50 minutes per calendar year.

When can the Psychological Consultation Hour be helpful?

Procrastination
Anxiety (e.g., exam anxiety)
Feeling overwhelmed and stressed
Depression
Support in finding therapy options

Registration: on our booking website

Appointments are published every two weeks. If you are unable to attend your scheduled appointment, please let us know as early as possible at lisa.vrablicz@tuwien.ac.at. Please note that missed appointments without prior cancellation will count as one of your three available sessions.

Who provides psychological consultations?

Lisa Vrablicz

Lisa Vrablicz studied psychology at the University of Vienna and completed training as a clinical psychologist. Before joining the Student Support team at TU Wien, she worked at the Psychological Student Counseling Office in Linz. There she gained extensive experience with individual counseling for students, as well as leading group sessions on topics such as procrastination, stress management, time management, and learning techniques. Lisa understands how challenging university life can be, which is why supporting students is very important to her.

Individual Counseling (External)

This is an external TU service for students. In a psychotherapeutic setting, students can discuss academic or personal challenges in one-on-one sessions with a psychotherapist and clinical psychologist.

Each student can book up to three 50-minute sessions per calendar year.

When can external individual counseling be helpful?

If I’m not feeling mentally well
In acute psychological crises (breakups, illness, bereavement, or other stressful events)
If I feel particularly burdened by my studies at the moment
With exam anxiety, fear of graduation, or general anxiety
With depressive moods
With sleep disorders, increased substance use, or physical complaints without medical diagnosis
More generally: If I feel like my internal coping resources (e.g., humor, flexibility, determination) are no longer working or sufficient

Registration: via email: nadja.springer@wpv.at

Who offers individual counselling?

Nadja Springer

is a clinical and health psychologist and additionally working as a psychotherapist (for psychoanalytically oriented psychotherapy). Futhermore, she works as a psychosocial employee in the "Dialog" association. As if that would not already be enough, Mrs. Springer is also member of a team for management of the certificate, the university and Master's Programme "Addiction Counseling and Prevention" at the St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences. In case of increased demand, Nadja Springer is supported by her colleges.

e-mail: nadja.springer@wpv.at\ adress: Salztorgasse 6/Stiege 5/Tür 8; 1010 Vienna

General Information about Psychological Consultations & Individual Counseling

How does a consultation work?

After a short introduction and settling in, you can explain your current concern. Together, we’ll determine whether long-term support or therapy would be helpful, or whether the one to three sessions we offer will suffice.
If long-term support is needed, we’ll provide you with contact details of services or therapists you can reach out to.
If short-term help is sufficient, we’ll address the issue in our sessions and work together on solutions.

What can I expect from the consultation? (Consultation ≠ Therapy)

A consultation is not therapy. The focus is on short-term support in dealing with current challenges. It’s very much present- and future-oriented.
However, if deeper-rooted issues are identified, therapy may be a more suitable option. Therapy involves a more comprehensive exploration, potentially including past experiences that influence your current situation.

What should I do if I need therapy?

If you're already certain that therapy would be more beneficial than short counseling sessions, you can contact the ÖH Helpline. They offer free therapy referral sessions for students, with the goal of finding you a spot quickly.

Additionally, you’ll find helpful information in the next section on finding therapy placements.

Psychotherapy information

Psychotherapy/Clinical Psychological Treatment

Full Cost Coverage

Psychotherapy covered by health insurance: Some freelance psychotherapists offer fully covered therapy sessions through health insurance. However, these insurance-covered spots are limited and often come with long waiting times. A medical confirmation of the necessity of psychotherapy is required.\

Partial Reimbursement

Private therapists (Wahltherapeut_innen): If you choose a private therapist, you can apply for a reimbursement. A diagnosed mental disorder is required. The amount of reimbursement varies depending on the insurance provider:

Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK): €33.70 per session
Insurance Institution for Public Servants, Railways, and Mining (BVAEB): €48.80 per session
Social Insurance for the Self-Employed (SVS): €45.00 per session

Discounted Rates

Psychotherapists in training under supervision: These therapists are in the final stage of their training and often offer lower rates. They are already qualified to work with clients but are closely supervised by senior therapists.\ Social rates: Some psychotherapists offer social rates to support individuals with low income.\ ÖH Psychotherapy Fund: The Austrian National Union of Students (ÖH) provides a psychotherapy fund that allows students to apply for financial support for therapy costs. Requirements include proof of therapy necessity and confirmation that health insurance covers part of the costs or that a social rate has been agreed upon. The maximum support is €1,500.

Finding a Therapist

You can search for therapists through online platforms like PsyOnline.at or the Vienna Association for Psychotherapy.

Alternatively, referrals to psychotherapists are available through the ÖH-Helpline.

Psychotherapy Services in Vienna

Therapy Outpatient Clinic AST – Outpatient Systemic Therapy

Offers individual, couples, and family therapy. Sessions are transmitted via a one-way mirror for the psychotherapy students of the institution. Cost: Voluntary contribution.

Psychotherapy Outpatient Clinic of the ÖAS

Provides individual, couples, child, and family therapy.

Cost: From €15 per session with psychotherapists in training.

Psychotherapy Outpatient Clinic of Sigmund Freud University

Offers behavioral therapy, systemic family therapy, and psychoanalysis.

Cost: Socially scaled fees based on income, self-help groups are free.

St. Elisabeth Foundation

Psychotherapy for people with mental illnesses provided by psychotherapists in training.

Cost: Free of charge.

Association for Outpatient Psychotherapy

Provides information and referrals via a patient hotline for psychotherapy covered by health insurance in Vienna.

Cost: Free of charge.

Group offers

Sometimes it is also helpful to take advantage of a group offer on a specific topic (e.g. exam anxiety, loss of motivation) together with other students who are currently in a similar situation.

An overview and detailed information on the specific group offers for the current semester can be found here.

Peer group for students with chronic illnesses

Studying with a chronic illness often brings additional burdens – and the feeling of being alone. In this peer group, students can exchange experiences, learn from each other, and connect in a safe and supportive environment. The group is facilitated by a psychologist from Student Support.

Dates:

Part 1: 11.03.2026, 16:00 – 18:00 Uhr in seminar room AE U1 - 1

Registration for Part 1 via our booking platform - Part 2: 29.04.2026, 16:00 – 18:00 Uhr in Seminarraum AE U1 - 1

Registration for Part 2 via our booking platform - Part 3: 27.05.2026, 16:00 – 18:00 Uhr in Seminarraum AE U1 - 1

Registration for Part 3 will be possible from April. - Part 4: 24.06.2026, 16:00 – 18:00 Uhr in Seminarraum AE U1 - 3

Registration for Part 4 will be possible from April.

Target group: Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral students\ Workshop presenter: Lisa Vrablicz

Separate registration is required for each date!

Workshop: Start today – From procrastination to action

This workshop focuses on understanding what procrastination is and its potential causes. We will also work together to identify what you are currently procrastinating on and explore methods to help you break free from procrastination and get things done.

Dates:

Part 1: 18.03.2026, 16:00 – 18:00 Uhr in Seminarraum AE U1 - 1

Registration for Part 1 via our booking platform - Part 2: 22.04.2026, 16:00 – 18:00 Uhr in Seminarraum AA 03 - 1

Registration for Part 2 via our booking platform

Target group: Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral students\ Workshop presenter: Lisa Vrablicz

Separate registrations are required for each date! Attendance at all dates is recommended, but not mandatory.

Workshop: Resilience in university studies – staying mentally healthy despite stress and pressure

Studying often involves high demands, performance pressure, and uncertainty. This workshop explores what resilience is and how it helps students cope better with the stresses of everyday student life. The workshop will provide initial practical strategies for recognizing stress early, strengthening personal resources, and promoting mental health during studies.

Dates:

Part 1: 13.05.2026, 16:00 – 18:00 Uhr in Seminarraum AE U1 - 1

Registration for Part 1 will be possible from April. - Part 2: 20.05.2026, 16:00 – 18:00 Uhr in Seminarraum AE U1 - 1

Registration for Part 2 will be possible from April.

Target group: Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral students\ Workshop presenter: Lisa Vrablicz

Separate registrations are required for each date! Attendance at all dates is recommended, but not mandatory.

Lisa Vrablicz

Lisa Vrablicz studied psychology at the University of Vienna and then graduated as a clinical psychologist. Before working in Student Support at TU Wien, she was employed at the Psychological Student Counselling Service in Linz. There she gained a wide range of experience in the individual treatment of students, as well as in group programmes on topics such as procrastination, stress management, time management and learning techniques. Lisa knows how challenging the time of studying can be, which is why supporting students is very important to her.

Skills and further information:

Emergency contacts

Vienna and throughout Austria

Information on psychological professions

A description of the different psy professions: Psychologists, psychotherapists, clinical psychologists, psychiatrists

Veranstaltungen

Stärken stärken, Überforderungen reduzieren: Resilienz gegen psychische Belastungen

05. November 2024, 11:00 bis 12:30 Uhr

Online Informationsveranstaltung zum Thema Psychische Belastungen und Depressionen im Studienalltag

Psychische Erkrankungen machen vor den Universitäten nicht Halt und sind gerade unter Studierenden oftmals aufgrund von Zeit- und Leistungsdruck, Zukunftsängsten aber auch finanziellen Sorgen weit verbreitet. Trotz der Zunahme an medialer Berichterstattung existieren immer noch Unwissenheit oder Vorurteile im Umgang mit psychischen Erkrankungen.

Diesem Umstand wollen wir mit der online Veranstaltung bewusst entgegentreten und laden interessierte wie betroffene Studierende herzlich ein, sich über das Thema zu informieren. Nach einem theoretischen Input mit interaktiver Beteiligung von Nadja Springer, gibt es anschliessend die Möglichkeit Fragen an sie sowie an die Behindertenbeauftragten (TU Wien und BOKU) und der Psychologin der TU Wien zu stellen.

Vortragende/Beteiligte Personen:

Nadja Springer - klinische Psychologin - Einzelberatung

Nicole Kretschy - Behindertenbeauftragte, Student Support TU Wien

Lisa Vrablicz – klinische Psychologin, Student Support TU Wien

Ruth Scheiber-Herzog - Behindertenbeauftragte BOKU Raphaela Nistler - Koordinationsstelle für Gleichstellung, Diversität und Behinderung

Diese Veranstaltung ist eine Kooperation der TU Wien und der BOKU.

Eine Anmeldung via Termino (bitte über Ihren Uni-Account)ist unbedingt erforderlich: https://www.termino.gv.at/meet/b/b3bae47ffa65866daa55f0a2d3c283a8-369441

Futher offers

For students with disabilities or chronic illnesses

We would also like to draw your attention to our service point Barrier-free Studying for disabled and chronically ill students at the TU Wien. In addition to orientation and mobility training at the place of study, the service point also offers information on legal issues concerning disabilities and studying (examination modalities). They inform you about barrier-free accessibility and the barrier-free use of the available infrastructure (e.g. library, lecture halls, refectory, etc.) and advise or support you in organising your studies.

Nightline Wien - Telephone listening service by students for students

The Nightline Wien is a Telephone listening service by students for students.This is a non-profit project run by students that offers all students in Vienna a sympathetic ear for their concerns. No matter what it's about! Calls to the Nightline Wien are anonymous, non-judgmental and confidential.\ You can reach Nightline Wien on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays from 8 p.m. to midnight on +43 650 7427637. You can find more information on Instagram (@nightline.wien) and on our website (wien.nightlines.eu).

Passed events

"Ängste, Sorgen, Stress und Druck – Studieren mit psychischen Problemen an der TU"

The online panel discussion was recorded and is available online. It took place on November 11, 2021.

Psychological problems in students were examined from different perspectives and support options for those affected were discussed.

Invited to the podium were:

Mag.phil. Marlene Fuhrmann-Ehn, Disability Officer at TU Wien
mag. iur. Dr iur. Jasmin Gründling-Riener, head of the study department at the TU Wien
Mag.a. Nadja Springer, individual psychosocial counseling for TU students
Mag.a. Christine Leitl-Kovacic, Psychosocial group offers for students
Julia Macho, HTU social department

The event was opened by VR Kurt Matyas, the moderation was taken over by Louisa Holub/ TU Diversity Management.

Afterwards there was the possibility to ask questions via app (anonymized).

After activation, data may be transmitted to third parties. Data protection declaration.