Abstract:
The Psychologische Studierendenberatung (PSB) constitutes Austria’s nationwide student counselling service, offering free and confidential psychological and psychotherapeutic support
for over five decades. Staffed by clinical psychologists with psychotherapeutic training, the PSB addresses study-related difficulties as well as broader psychosocial and mental health challenges. Its services include both individual counselling as well as a wide range of group-based programs, thereby offering flexible formats for diverse needs. Support spans from short-
term crisis intervention to longer-term accompaniment.
Many students face not only academic but also considerable economic pressures. Limited financial resources – combined with the need to work – increase stress levels and jeopardize academic success. These strains are further amplified by global crises that generate profound uncertainty about the future and heighten psychological vulnerability. Moreover, prevailing expectations of ongoing self-optimization add to the burden, fostering loneliness and an increasing sense of exhaustion. In this era of accelerating change and mounting psychological stress, student counselling services like the PSB offer spaces for reflection, connection, and authentic exchange. By promoting orientation, resilience, and tolerance of ambiguity, they serve as an important counterbalance to digital self-optimization and the growing demands of academia.
Über die Autorinnen:
- Alexandra Keller-Hörnig,
Mag.a, Klinische Psychologin, Gesundheitspsychologin, Psychotherapeutin, Leiterin der Psychologischen Studierendenberatungsstelle (PSB) Wien - Elisabeth Hefler-Putz,
Mag.a Dr.in, Klinische Psychologin, Gesundheitspsychologin, Psychotherapeutin, Mitarbeiterin der Psychologischen Studierendenberatungsstelle (PSB) Wien - Stefanie Ivády,
Mag.a, Klinische Psychologin, Gesundheitspsychologin, Psychotherapeutin, Mitarbeiterin der Psychologischen Studierendenberatungsstelle (PSB) Wien - Martina Portune,
Mag.a, Klinische Psychologin, Gesundheitspsychologin, Psychotherapeutin, Mitarbeiterin der Psychologischen Studierendenberatungsstelle (PSB) Wien
