Government of MaharashtraCounselling CentreDr. Homi Bhabha State UniversityDepartment of Psychology · Elphinstone College
University Counseling Centre
The Counseling Centre is a confidential, free service for everyone at the university — students, faculty, and staff. Sessions are private. We listen first.
What we offer
Counseling, assessments, workshops, and group spaces — all free for everyone on campus, designed around what people actually come in for.
Confidential one-on-one sessions to work through stress, anxiety, self-esteem, relationships, and academic challenges.
Expert-led career assessments and personalised guidance sessions exploring interests, aptitudes, and values.
Insight into personality, emotional patterns, and strengths through scientifically validated tests.
A safe, supportive space to share experiences, connect with peers, and learn healthy coping strategies together.
Hands-on exposure in psychology, counseling, and mental-health initiatives to complement academic learning.
Interactive sessions on stress management, mindfulness, emotional regulation, and communication.
Short certified programmes that introduce psychology, testing, and counseling in a practical, engaging way.
Pledges, open-mic sessions, art-therapy circles, and awareness campaigns promoting well-being and inclusion.
Free & private
The Self-Assessment is a short questionnaire that looks at symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress over the past week. It takes about five minutes, it’s completely free, and your answers stay private. It can help you decide whether to come in for a session — but it is a self-check, not a diagnosis.
In crisis or need urgent help right now? See our helplines.
What people come in for
Some of the things students bring into the room. There is no such thing as “too small” — many people come in simply to gain clarity or manage everyday stress.
College can feel like a constant race filled with deadlines, exams, and expectations piling up from all sides. In therapy, we slow things down together, break big tasks into smaller steps, and work on building healthier study habits. More than anything, we remind you that you are more than just your grades.
It's common to feel stuck in loops of "what if" thoughts, worried about the future or about what others might think. Therapy offers a safe space to share these fears without judgment. Simple grounding techniques and thought exercises help quiet the noise so you can feel calmer and more in control.
Sometimes it feels like you've lost your spark. Getting out of bed, going to class, or doing the things you once enjoyed becomes really hard. In therapy, we sit with you in that heaviness and gently explore what's weighing you down — finding small, meaningful ways to bring back energy and purpose, one step at a time.
Even in a campus full of people, it's possible to feel alone or struggle with friendships, family, or romantic relationships. Therapy gives you space to talk openly about these challenges. We focus on building healthier connections, setting boundaries where needed, and learning how to nurture relationships that truly support you.
College years are full of questions: Who am I? What do I really want? What matters to me? It's normal to feel confused or lost while figuring yourself out. Therapy can guide you through that process — helping you reflect on your values, discover your strengths, and make choices that feel true to who you are becoming.
Being away from home, sometimes for the first time, can feel lonely and overwhelming. New routines, new people, and a new environment take time to get used to. Therapy helps normalise these feelings and equips you with tools to adapt while staying connected to the support systems that matter most.
What we stand for
Who you’ll meet
The Centre is a professional training environment. Sessions are held by the counsellor or by trainee counsellors under supervision — all bound by strict confidentiality guidelines.
Counselor
Shubhangi Pingulkar
Counselor, HBSU
Trainee Counsellor
Harshi Mamania
Junior Counselor, HBSU
Common questions
Reaching out is a sign of strength
Walk in to the fourth floor of the Department of Psychology during office hours, email us at psych.counselor@hbsu.ac.in, or pick a slot through the booking page.