Mental health is one of the key factors influencing students’ learning and research performance. Recognizing its importance, the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) has issued the Procedure for Student Psychological Support and Counselling, establishing a legal and standardized framework for mental health services within the institution. At UEH, the Department of Student Affairs (DSA) is responsible for providing holistic support services, including healthcare, student welfare, information assistance, and other essential services to ensure students feel safe, confident, and supported throughout their academic journey.

When facing health concerns—particularly mental health issues—students can register for free counselling sessions either online or directly at the DSA office. UEH guarantees free access to psychological counselling services for all students and maintains a network of professional partnerships for referrals to specialized mental health care when necessary. All personal information and cases are treated with strict confidentiality and security. After each session, students are invited to complete a feedback survey to evaluate counselling quality and suggest improvements to the system, ensuring professional access, early detection, and timely intervention of psychological issues.

In 2024, DSA implemented a comprehensive Student Mental Health Activity Plan, organizing at least 3 to 4 major activities and 12 regular sessions in areas such as art and foreign languages to create a relaxing and inclusive learning environment (Refer to the Implementation Plan for Activities of the UEH English Zone in 2024 for details). Additionally, 11 workshops and talkshows on mental health were held, providing knowledge and practical exercises that help students recognize and manage stress and academic pressure. 09 articles on mental health care were also disseminated across official university channels. During 2024, DSA provided nearly 40 psychological counselling sessions, including:

+ 30 cases involving academic difficulties, career orientation stress, or transfer concerns;

+ 4 cases requiring psychological support due to dismissal or disciplinary risks;

+ 1 case concerning social integration and isolation (with parental co-counselling);

+ 4 severe cases related to stress, anxiety disorders, emotional conflicts, or other serious psychological symptoms.

Furthermore, DSA has maintained professional collaboration with trusted psychologists, psychiatrists, and mental health institutions, both domestically and internationally. These partnerships ensure professional quality and facilitate referrals for students requiring advanced interventions.

In parallel, the UEH Student Union requires each faculty-level student association to organize one or two mental health care programs annually. To further strengthen mental well-being, DSA collaborates with the Student Support Volunteer Team under the UEH Student Union and other units to host open, free-of-charge workshops on mental health and psychology. These programs enable students to acquire scientific knowledge, enhance mental resilience, and connect with specialized support services when necessary.

Mental Health Care Activities for UEH Students in 2024

Activity Target Group Description of Activity Outcome/Impact
Seminar: “Enhancing the Capacity to Recognize and Care for Mental Health” UEH Community: lecturers, staff, and students The seminar, led by Dr. Pham Minh Triet – former Head of Psychology Department, Children’s Hospital 1, Ho Chi Minh City – aimed to help UEH students and staff familiarize themselves with psychological and mental health concepts, identify early warning signs, and acquire essential knowledge and skills for maintaining mental well-being. Participants also gained a deeper understanding of stress, anxiety disorders, and depression, and practiced emotional regulation and relaxation techniques to prevent mental health issues.Unnamed
  • Nearly 900 UEH students and staff attended in person
  • Participants were connected with specialized counseling services and professional mental health resources.
  • Students and staff enhanced their ability to recognize mental health signs, manage emotions, and maintain mental well-being.
  • The seminar reinforced UEH’s commitment to fostering a healthy, safe, and supportive learning environment.
Psychological Support Activity Series for Students 2024 UEH Students The program included: 

  • Nearly 300 students participated, with 92% providing positive feedback on the applicability of the Big Five model for emotional balance and self-regulation.
  • Helped students develop self-awareness, emotional regulation, and psychological adaptability in both academic and social contexts.
Workshop “Recharging Mental Energy with UEH Students” UEH Students The workshop supported students in balancing emotions, reducing stress and anxiety, and recharging their mental energy when facing challenges during their studies at UEH. It helped participants identify the underlying causes of stress and pressure in daily life while providing in-depth knowledge and effective methods for emotional regulation. Students were guided through mindfulness-based exercises to focus their minds, confront and release negative thoughts, and restore emotional balance. The workshop also offered an open discussion where students could ask questions and receive guidance on maintaining emotional stability and integrating relaxation practices into their everyday routines.

Unnamed (3)

Students practiced gentle yoga exercises to warm up the body, stimulate blood circulation, and restore mental and physical energy.

  • Nearly 50 students participated in the session.
  • Students experienced clearer mind–body connection, improved focus, and enhanced emotional management, especially under academic pressure.
  • The workshop contributed to expanding free mental health care services across UEH campuses, ensuring greater accessibility and well-being support for all learners.
Program: “Emotional Care Before Exam Season – Mindful Self-Compassion” UEH students The program focused on promoting emotional balance and mental well-being among students, especially during high-stress examination periods. It provided participants with knowledge and strategies to manage stress, maintain emotional stability, and care for their mental health. In addition, students were equipped with practical skills in stress coping, time management, and sustaining study motivation throughout the semester.Unnamed (4)
  • Nearly 200 students attended in person.
  • Students improved their ability to cope with academic stress, maintain emotional balance, and manage time effectively.
Comprehensive Communication Series on the Importance of Mental Health Care for Students via UEH E-News UEH students (receiving monthly email) Content themes of the communication series:

  • 11 enews issues in 2024
  • Check the number of views on admin
  • Students are provided with practical tools to actively identify emotions and assess their own psychological state.
  • These activities create a healthy living space and help students exercise and improve their overall health.
Program “Skills for taking care of physical and mental health” UEH students Providing useful knowledge about health and nutrition to help students proactively take care of their bodies and achieve the best learning results. At the same time, guiding methods to overcome common basic diseases such as neck and shoulder pain, back pain due to sitting and studying for long periods of time… Thanks to that, students are trained physically in combination with breathing exercises, yoga, and emotional management.Unnamed (5)
  • Nearly 300 students approached and participated in the program
  • Students understand their bodies and practice self-care skills
  • Students are guided through scientific methods to help reduce common diseases.
Talkshow Sexual Harassment – Keep quiet or speak up? UEH students Activities to raise awareness, self-protection skills and create a safe space to speak up about sexual harassment in schools and workplaces. The talkshow brings together psychologists and lawyers to analyze concepts, consequences, processes and laws when handling sexual harassment cases. In addition, students are guided to recognize wrongdoing, access confidential support channels and understand their rights to protection.Unnamed (6) Nearly 300 students participated; 95% of attendees highly appreciated the knowledge acquired; the talkshow content was shared on internal communication channels, expanding educational impact.
Launching Acrylic Painting Workshop Series at UEH UEHers Community (lecturers, staff, officers, students) The workshop is organized with the aim of inspiring creativity, inspiring art and creating a relaxing space after stressful working and studying hours to balance life, recharge energy to start a new working week for the community. The workshop is also a place to share and exchange experiences, creating an artistic space and building a sustainable UEH community.Unnamed (7)
  • Encourage staff and students to express their emotions through art, aiming to reduce stress and increase creativity.
  • Create a healthy space, awaken positive energy.
Program “Secrets to effective learning” UEH students The program helps provide strategies to overcome study anxiety, effective time management skills to help students balance between studying, entertainment and rest. Through this, students learn scientific methods to overcome pressure that are suitable for them (especially during peak periods such as tests and exams) and form good habits for both mental and physical health.Unnamed (8)
  • Students are exposed to optimal working time management methods, which help increase concentration and reduce stress, anxiety and worry during their studies and research.
Acoustic show series for students at UEH UEH students Themes of the acoustic show series:

  • Spring Melody – Sprisky: The acoustic session was organized by UEH English Zone in collaboration with the Social Work Team to create a cultural space, connect the community and promote positive spirit among students. The event helps reduce academic stress, promote social interaction and provide a safe environment for students to express themselves.Unnamed (9)

Students attend the acoustic show with the theme “Spring Melody – Srisky”

  • GLORIOUS — “Bring in the melody of praise for effort”:The music event was jointly organized by DSA and UEH Student Association to honor students’ learning and creative efforts; soothe the soul after long days of studying and spread a healthy cultural lifestyle, reducing pressure through artistic experiences.Unnamed (10)

Students attend the acoustic show with the theme “GLORIOUS — “Immerse yourself in the melody of praising efforts”

  • The series of acoustic shows attracted a large number of UEHers, contributing to spreading positive spirit to help students open up, connect and interact with friends.
  • Help students reduce stress and limit the risk of stress through the sweet melodies of music – an effective form of healing.
“UEH Student Singing Contest 2024” UEH students With the aim of creating opportunities for students to express their talents and passion for art, the UEH Student Singing Contest is a stage where students of all levels come together to exchange music, learn from each other and shine brightly with eye-catching performances. Through music, students not only demonstrate their ability to perceive art, develop aesthetic thinking and train their rich souls, but also reduce stress and unleash their creativity in art. The event is organized in a systematic manner, with a panel of professional judges and a framework for spiritual support for contestants (mentorship/feedback).Unnamed (11)
  • Professional theater helps students improve soft skills; develop inner strength, and strengthen social connections that are beneficial for mental health.
CTD Inspiring Season 1 Closing Ceremony and CTD Inspiring Season 2 Launch Ceremony “Inspire the Future”  UEH students CTD Inspiring is a program that develops leadership, life skills and initiative. Not only does it provide personalized support, it also helps each student overcome their own challenges on the path of personal development, but it also builds a close-knit community, supporting students to overcome their own fears or escape their negative thoughts. This is a place where people can share, learn and grow together.Unnamed (12) Students receive support in mental health, self-development and self-improvement, from perception to behavior, in an increasingly positive way and live happier, more meaningful lives.
Online seminar “Multicultural integration in a multinational working environment (D&I)” The series of talks aims to share experiences, support policies, and practices of respecting differences in multicultural work environments. Through the talks, students will see the differences and the positive impact of D&I on mental health, proactively adapt, and see life through more multifaceted lenses.Unnamed (13)
  • Attendees gain insight into personality types in the workplace and how to effectively identify and adapt to diversity.
  • Maximize the value from the differences around, while creating a harmonious and sustainable working environment.
  • Identify strengths and weaknesses in each person and equip yourself with perspectives and methods to utilize D&I as a foundation for sustainable personal development.
Psychological counseling programs of ISB International Training Institute UEH students Free psychological counseling programs help students reduce stress and improve mental health:

  • Regular “Happy Time Together” activities create opportunities for employees to relax and connect, promoting a healthy working environment and sustainable growth.
  • The “Boost Box” program provides free snack packages to students during exam season, helping students feel cared for and contributing to reducing anxiety during important times.Unnamed (14)

In addition to professional knowledge and skills, ISB Institute pays special attention to mental health through activities linked to SDGs.

  • Students are concerned about mental health, increase the ability to support international learners, build cross-cultural mental support networks
Activities in the field of mental health care are carried out by theClubs/Unions/Associations at all levels organize UEH students Program “In the middle of the storm I find a calm sea”: HSupport students to identify and overcome problems such as anxiety disorders, overthinking, provide sustainable solutions, help them self-solve arising psychological problems, and avoid prolonged anxiety disorders.Unnamed (15)

Students attending the talk show of the program “In the middle of the storm, I find a calm sea”

  • 3 stages of activities attracted more than 3,000 students to participate
  • Connecting students with psychological experts, helping them find the most suitable support to solve personal psychological problems,
UEH students Student Mental Health Care Series 2024: WHALE: 2 main topics with 5 activities lasting for 5 months including counseling activities, workshops and art playgrounds to normalize talking about mental health. The series of activities helps students access free psychological counseling services, while building a peer-support network among young people.Unnamed (16) Unnamed (17)

Direct and online communication activitiesUnnamed (18)

Talkshow “SELF – CARE” is part of a series of activities

Student Mental Health Care Program – Talkshow “How to Love in Peace”: belongs to the Whale 2024 series aiming atemotional education, mental health in love and relationships. The speaker shares how to recognize personal boundaries, communicate healthily, and heal after a breakup.Unnamed (19)

  • Help UEH students equip themselves with the necessary knowledge to care for and maintain healthy mental health, access psychological services around them and heal themselves.
  • Medium each activityonline attracts about15,000+ reach
  • Activities organizeddirectaverage attraction1,500 students attend
UEH students Program “Support for New Students K50: Soul Station”: An emotional stop for new students, helping youadapting to the university environment, share worries and create healthy social connections. Activities include group chats, light meditation and self-awareness skills instruction.Unnamed (20)
  • Attracted about 1,200 students to participate in live activities (media booth, talk show)
  • Support UEH students to overcome exhaustion after a long day of doing all kinds of work, thereby regenerating the energy within the new students.
UEH students 2024 Foreign Language Faculty Student Mental Health Support Counseling Program – FROM SHY TO SHINE: The program aims to help students better understand psychological issues at each stage of their development by supporting and answering questions when faced with uncertainty, lack of experience and fear of failure, so that they can find the most suitable solution for each time and confidently shine in their own way.Unnamed (21)
  • Talkshow “Shy will eventually become Shine” attracted 300 students to participate
  • 97% of attendees reported feeling “understood and positively energized”
UEH students Student Mental Health Care Program 2024 – “Heart and Hug”: Delivers the message of “embracing yourself” through art therapy activities and small group discussions. The program helps students express their emotions through artistic creation, encouraging empathy and mutual support.Unnamed (22)
  • The “Sparrow” booth attracted nearly 900 students and the talk show had nearly 300 students attending.
  • The program helps students to solve problems, know how to maintain and connect with healthy relationships, learn to understand and listen to themselves, love themselves more to thereby improve their mental health.
UEH students “Existmare” – A series of activities to take care of the mental health of students of the Faculty of Management 2024: includes booth activities “Starry Night”, “Breaking Dawn” and workshop “Luminary” to help learners gain a deeper understanding of psychological mechanisms, behavior and how to maintain emotional balance.Unnamed (23)
  • Enhancing students’ self-awareness and personal crisis coping skills
  • With 3 activities, the series of activities attracted a total of nearly 2,000 students to participate.

 

Organizing and implementing a variety of activities in many different forms not only provides knowledge and scientific methods to improve students’ mental health but also helps students access mental support services on and off campus of UEH. In addition, providing free psychological consultation when students encounter problems creates a close and friendly learning environment, helping students trust UEH, while building an open community where students receive attention from friends, teachers and the school.

Compared to before, UEH has clearly defined the process of psychological support and consultation led by DSA to ensure more systematic and  confidential. In addition, UEH has expanded the program with diverse forms of access (consultation, discussion, exchange activities, art programs) with improved quantity and quality, delving into each specialized topic with the goal of increasing accessibility for students with mental difficulties. The coordination between DSA and other agencies also shows that the quality of activities is improved and sustainable. Thanks to that, UEH is demonstrating its role as a learner-centered university model, promoting sustainable development in mental health, emotions and social competence.

Open related links:

1. Procedure for Student Psychological Support and Counselling : https://dsa.ueh.edu.vn/quy-dinh-quy-trinh-huong-dan/quy-trinh-ho-tro-tham-van-tam-ly-nguoi-hoc-tai-ueh/

2. Student Mental Health Activity Plan: https://drive.google.com/file/d/176Vzou_JxfW65otKK9FfGPvRZ9Ku9CwL/view

3. Refer to the Implementation Plan for Activities of the UEH English Zone in 2024 for details): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BMXwrZA35T8mPqLgiFF0ItQlUkhotI4B/view?usp=sharing

4. Seminar: “Enhancing the Capacity to Recognize and Care for Mental Health”: https://ueh.edu.vn/cuoc-song-ueh/tin-tuc/cham-soc-va-phat-trien-suc-khoe-tam-than-ben-vung-tu-nhan-dien-den-hanh-dong-tai-ueh-72485

5. Workshop: “Understanding Yourself Through the Big Five Personality Model”: https://ueh.edu.vn/cuoc-song-ueh/tin-tuc/thau-hieu-ban-than-thong-qua-mo-hinh-tinh-cach-big-five-71854

6. Practical Sessions: Applying Personality Traits in Learning and Applying Personality Insights to Personal Development, Social Relationships, and Group Motivation: https://ueh.edu.vn/cuoc-song-ueh/tin-tuc/thuc-hanh-tam-ly-hieu-minh-de-hieu-nguoi-71955

7. Workshop “Recharging Mental Energy with UEH Students”: https://dsa.ueh.edu.vn/en/news/recharging-energy-with-ueh-students/

8. Program: “Emotional Care Before Exam Season – Mindful Self-Compassion”: https://ueh.edu.vn/cuoc-song-ueh/tin-tuc/cung-sinh-vien-ueh-cham-soc-cam-xuc-truoc-mua-thi-72994

9. “Are You Ready for Dopamine Fasting?”: https://dsa.ueh.edu.vn/en/news/are-you-ready-for-dopamine-fasting/

10. “Running Ahead of the Darkness: Learning to Protect Yourself from Sexual Harassment”: https://ueh.edu.vn/cuoc-song-ueh/tin-tuc/chay-len-truoc-bong-toi-hoc-cach-bao-ve-ban-than-truoc-quay-roi-tinh-duc-72106

11. “Stay Chill Before Following the Trend: How to Use Social Media Wisely”: https://ueh.edu.vn/cuoc-song-ueh/tin-tuc/chill-truoc-hot-trend-lam-the-nao-de-khai-thac-toi-uu-cac-nen-tang-mang-xa-hoi-73078

12. “Breaking Gender Stereotypes: Celebrating the Value of Every Individual”: https://ueh.edu.vn/cuoc-song-ueh/tin-tuc/pha-bo-khuon-mau-gioi-ton-vinh-gia-tri-cua-moi-ca-nhan-72989

13. Documentary “Mental Health Self-Care”: https://dsa.ueh.edu.vn/ho-tro-tam-ly/tai-lieu-cham-soc-suc-khoe-tinh-than-ho-tro-tam-ly/tai-lieu-cham-soc-suc-khoe-tinh-than/

14. Program “Skills for taking care of physical and mental health”: https://ueh.edu.vn/cuoc-song-ueh/tin-tuc/nang-cao-suc-khoe-the-chat-tinh-than-cung-nguoi-hoc-ueh-71851

15. Talkshow Sexual Harassment – Keep quiet or speak up?: https://ueh.edu.vn/cuoc-song-ueh/tin-tuc/quay-roi-tinh-duc-im-lang-hay-len-tieng-72998

16. Launching Acrylic Painting Workshop Series at UEH: https://www.ueh.edu.vn/en/news/starting-the-acrylic-painting-workshop-series-at-ueh-71882

17. Program “Secrets to effective learning”: https://ueh.edu.vn/cuoc-song-ueh/tin-tuc/de-hoc-tap-khong-con-la-ap-luc-cung-chuyen-gia-tim-ra-bi-quyet-hoc-tap-hieu-qua-72614

18. GLORIOUS — “Bring in the melody of praise for effort”: https://ueh.edu.vn/cuoc-song-ueh/tin-tuc/hoa-minh-vao-giai-dieu-ca-ngoi-nhung-no-luc-phi-thuong-tai-acoustic-show-glorious-71857

19. “UEH Student Singing Contest 2024”: https://dsa.ueh.edu.vn/en/news/shining-on-ueh-student-singing-competition-2024-grand-finale/

20. CTD Inspiring Season 1 Closing Ceremony and CTD Inspiring Season 2 Launch Ceremony “Inspire the Future”: https://ueh.edu.vn/cuoc-song-ueh/tin-tuc/le-tong-ket-ctd-inspiring-mua-1-va-phat-dong-ctd-inspiring-mua-2-inspire-the-future-73093

21. Psychological counseling programs of ISB International Training Institute: https://ueh.edu.vn/en/news/15-years-of-isb-continuously-innovating-toward-a-global-future-73381

22. Program “In the middle of the storm I find a calm sea”: https://youth.ueh.edu.vn/tin-tuc/phong-trao/chuong-trinh-cham-soc-suc-khoe-tinh-than-ve-roi-loan-lo-au-khoa-cong-nghe-thong-tin-kinh-doanh-giua-tam-bao-toi-tim-vung-bien-lang/

23. Program “Support for New Students K50: Soul Station”: https://youth.ueh.edu.vn/tin-tuc/tinh-nguyen/chuong-trinh-ho-tro-tan-sinh-vien-k50-kqm-2024-soul-station/

24. “Existmare” – A series of activities to take care of the mental health of students of the Faculty of Management 2024: https://youth.ueh.edu.vn/tin-tuc/hoc-thuat/chuoi-hoat-dong-cham-soc-suc-khoe-tinh-than-sinh-vien-khoa-quan-tri-nam-2024-existmare/

25. Student Mental Health Care Program 2024 – “Heart and Hug: https://youth.ueh.edu.vn/tin-tuc/chuong-trinh-cham-soc-suc-khoe-tam-ly-sinh-vien-2024-heart-and-hug/