Questions and Answers About Health and Well-Being

When should I seek professional help?

If you consistently feel overwhelmed, exhausted, or depressed and are struggling to manage your daily life or your studies, you should seek help. Seeking support early on prevents stressful crises from becoming entrenched or worsening. You don’t have to have a serious illness; counseling is also advisable if you’re experiencing persistent uncertainty, a sense of being lost, or stress.

How do I find the right person to talk to about my concerns?

On the central platform of Student Health Management (SGM) and through the RUB’s counseling services, you’ll find quick guidance for all concerns. If you’re facing study-related hurdles, procrastination, or test anxiety, the counselors at the Psychological Counseling Service can provide direct support. For specific topics such as studying with a disability or caregiving responsibilities, specialized services like the BZI are available to assist you. Through these support options, we at RUB offer you the opportunity to address specific challenges early on and to easily access free, quick, and straightforward help.

How much does psychotherapy cost, and who covers the costs?

Psychotherapy with therapists approved by statutory health insurance is generally covered in full by statutory health insurance plans upon submission of a claim, provided there is a corresponding diagnosis. You can get help with the application process from your health insurance provider. For private health insurance or government-subsidized health insurance, coverage and the scope of benefits depend on your individual plan. All guidance and counseling services offered by the RUB itself are completely free of charge for you as a student.

How do I find a therapy slot?

You can find a therapy slot, among other ways, through the appointment service of the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (Kassenärztliche Vereinigung) by calling 116 117 or using the KVWL search function. The RUB’s Psychological Counseling Service will support you, if needed, with orientation sessions and group programs while you wait. In addition, you can often schedule initial consultations fairly quickly as part of psychotherapy office hours.

Does undergoing psychotherapy generally prevent one from becoming a civil servant today?

No, psychotherapy is no longer a general ground for exclusion. Since a landmark ruling by the Federal Administrative Court, a rejection may only be issued if there is a high probability of premature incapacity for duty. The burden of proof in this case lies with the medical examiner. Today, successfully completing treatment often even demonstrates the applicant’s high level of self-reflection and resilience.

Further information and free counseling on the topics of civil service employment and psychotherapy, as well as risk assessments for private health insurance , can be found, for example, on the website Info-Beihilfe.de.

Can I receive support even if I don’t have a diagnosis yet?

Yes, all counseling services offered by RUB are available to you regardless of whether you have a formal diagnosis or a medical certificate. You can contact the university’s support services confidentially at the first signs of stress, doubt, or even a mere suspicion. The counselors will support you in a non-judgmental manner as you sort through your situation and plan appropriate steps. Taking advantage of these support services has absolutely no negative impact on your studies.

What support options are available at RUB for chronic illnesses or disabilities?

The Counseling Center for the Inclusion of People with Disabilities (BZI) provides comprehensive information on individualized accommodations for coursework and exams. In addition, the P2P-Inklusiv mentoring program, accessible IT workstations, and special support groups offer practical help in your daily life.

Where can I find reliable health information, and how can I identify credible sources?

You can find reliable information on evidence-based portals such as gesund.bund.de or the Federal Institute for Public Health (BIÖG). You can identify credible sources by a complete legal notice, named expert authors, and links to scientific evidence. Be cautious of websites without source citations, vague promises of a cure, or obvious commercial sales intentions.

What should I do in the event of an acute mental health crisis or emergency?

In life-threatening emergencies, please call the toll-free emergency number 112 immediately or contact emergency medical services. Anonymous help is available around the clock from the Telephone Counseling Service (0800 111 0 111) and the psychiatric emergency department at the LWL University Hospital in Bochum (0234 50770).

Are the counseling services offered by the RUB confidential and free of charge?

Yes, all of RUB’s counseling services, such as the Psychological Student Counseling Service or the BZI, are completely free of charge for you as a student. All counselors are bound by a legal duty of confidentiality, which ensures that your concerns are treated with the utmost confidentiality. No information will be shared with faculties, examination offices, or third parties without your express consent.

Questions or suggestions?

Sustainable student health management can only succeed if we listen to one another and identify students’ needs. Students can click this link to answer three short questions about health and well-being and help shape the future of student health management.

For further questions, comments, or suggestions, please feel free to contact: