by Anne Das
Quest International University (QIU) inaugurated its new state-of-the-art counselling room today, called the ‘Sanctuary’.
Aside from catering to the student body’s mental and emotional well-being, this facility will serve as a training ground for future mental health professionals through experiential learning, specifically students enrolled in the university’s psychology programme.
Over time, QIU plans to expand its services to the community by organising mental health awareness campaigns and workshops for the benefit of the locals.
Recently launched and situated in the university’s Ipoh campus, the ‘Sanctuary’ will be managed by a professionally certified counsellor with the support of trained psychologists and expert therapists.
The facility will offer a wide range of services, such as individual counselling, group therapy, workshops, crisis intervention, and preventive mental health programs to QIU students, and ultimately, the public.
At a time when mental health issues, including depression and suicidal tendencies, are on the rise in Malaysia, QIU intends the new counselling room to help bridge the gap between the demand and availability of qualified professionals in the field.
Reinforcing the preventive mental healthcare infrastructure by boosting the psychologist to population ratio is a pressing national issue, which QIU plans to redress by adding more trained professionals in the industry.
Beyond the clinical setting, psychology graduates can find work in a diverse range of industries, including advertising, public relations, special needs education, etc. Also, should they aspire to pursue their postgraduate studies, they can choose from a variety of specialisations, such as child psychology, educational psychology, neuroscience, etc.
Speaking at the inauguration, QIU Chief Operating Officer Nicholas Goh said the university prioritised the mental well-being of students.
“We have experienced teaching staff from our psychology program who will work with our professional counsellor to look after our students.”
QIU Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof. Dr Sivabala Naidu, said the healthcare expertise available to students is diverse and exceptional, and that the university would leave no stone unturned to safeguard their privacy.
“Our service will be confidential, and we will ensure adequate privacy measures are in place.”
There are six Faculties and two Centres at QIU which offer programmes at Foundation, Diploma, Degree, and Postgraduate levels. Further information can be obtained at www.qiu.edu.my
