Devices to support students in their mental well-being

Proposed by the Ministry of Higher Education and Research since December 2023, the National Student Support Coordination (Cnaé) is a support, listening and reporting service for students.

Its aim is to provide a solution for all students suffering from ill-being or violence. As a listening and guidance platform, Cnaé also provides step-by-step assistance with professionals to report situations that may be criminally classified:

• discrimination;
• harassment;
• gender-based violence.

A helpline free and confidential is made available to students by the “En Avant Tous” association, under the aegis of the Ministry of Higher Education and Research.

Over the phone, the student can be connected to a psychologist or social worker and get help or access information.

Different devices are available depending on the student’s situation

After the exchange with the psychologist or social worker at the Cnaé, the student is referred to the appropriate system in the light of his or her situation and needs. Depending on its profile, it can for example be directed to:

• Student Psychology;
• a University Psychological Support Office (BAPU);
• a Student Health Service (SSE);
• or a specialized association (Information Center on the Rights of Women and Families, Family Planning, etc.).

Student Psych Health

The mechanism Student Psych Health was established in March 2021 in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak. It allows any higher education student (whose training is recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education and Research) to benefit from 8 free consultations with a psychologist, without having to pay any fees.

In 2023, the Ministry of Higher Education and Research announced the sustainability of the scheme. The sessions are therefore renewable each year for all students.

See the list of professionals partners of the device Health Psych Student.

Student Health Services

The University Services of Preventive Medicine and Health Promotion (SUMPPS) became the Student Health Services (SBS).

Now, all students have access to them, regardless of whether they are enrolled in university or not and whether they come from public or private higher education. This reform of the Student Health Services has also led to an extension of their missions, with the creation of a mental health mission.

Counseling and counseling are offered as part of this process. These are meetings between a student and a mental health professional (psychologist, specialized counselor...). The student can discuss their concerns, emotions, and personal difficulties. The consultations are usually scheduled at regular intervals, allowing a continuous monitoring of the student’s situation and an evaluation of the effectiveness of the interventions put in place.

University Psychological Support Offices

One University Psychological Support Office (BAPU) is present in most university cities. Each BAPU is composed of psychotherapists (psychiatrists and psychologists), social workers and an administrative department.

Proposed consultations are supported at 100% by Social Security and Mutual Societies; students do not have to pay up front. The number of sessions is not limited, the follow-up is ensured as long as the student feels the need.