Padua University Psychiatric Student Counseling Service

Although the literature reports a high prevalence of psychological distress among the university student population, still very few intervention schemes have been proposed to manage the problem. The authors describe the main sources of inspiration for the psychiatric counseling service established at Padua University (Italy) and how it operates. Emphasis is laid on counseling quality, operator professionalism, research activities, ethical aspects and resource allocation. The implications for adequate counseling are discussed. Preliminary data suggest that university-based psychiatric counseling centres provide a useful service. (Contains 1 table, 2 graphs and 1 diagram.)