If you are studying in a bachelor’s or master’s programme at UEF, you can use the study psychologist services. There are three study psychologists at the University of Eastern Finland who support your wellbeing and help your studies progress smoothly.
Study psychologists are licensed psychologists, and all conversations with them are confidential and free of charge. At your first appointment, you will go through your situation together and agree on any follow-up sessions and the goals for your work together. Usually, you will have a few sessions.
What kind of issues can you seek guidance for?
With a study psychologist, you can discuss difficulties related to your studies and the issues intertwined with them. Common topics include:
- challenges with study progress, motivation, and getting things done
- learning difficulties and study techniques
- stress and balancing your studies with your personal resources
- anxiety in group work or presentation situations
- time management and goal setting
- adjusting your studies when your life situation changes or you face a crisis
- coping with transition periods, such as returning to your studies after a long break
Study psychologists do not carry out psychological assessments (such as dyslexia or ADHD assessments), and they do not diagnose or treat mental health disorders. For these, you can turn to FSHS or your local health centre.
When to turn to other services
- Psychological assessments and diagnosis or treatment of mental health disorders: Contact FSHS (opens in a new tab) or your local health centre directly.
- Crisis situations: Support is available from, for example, UEF campus pastors, local crisis centres and the crisis helpline. You can find more information on the Providers of help page.
- Individual study arrangements: You can find instructions for applying and implementation on the individual study arrangements page in Kamu.
- Personal study plan, course selections and practical training: You can get support from your own subject. You can find contact details for guidance staff on the guidance staff contact page.
- Minor subject choices, career planning and job seeking: The university’s career counsellors can help you. Book a personal guidance appointment on the career counsellors’ booking page.
How to book an appointment
We regret that individual counselling appointments are no longer available for the autumn semester 2026 on either campus. Appointment booking will reopen in January 2027.
For the remainder of the year, the study psychologists offer telephone consultation hours.
You can send a call request via text message, and the study psychologist will contact you during the consultation hours. Please include your full name and student number in the message. Do not include any health information (e.g., diagnoses) in your text message.
You may also call the study psychologist yourself during the consultation hours listed below. If the line is busy, please call only once – the study psychologist will return your call as soon as possible.
Study psychologists’ telephone consultation hours in November and December 2026:
- Wed 11 Nov, 14:00–16:00, study psychologist Katri Ruth, tel. +358 40 355 2044
- Wed 18 Nov, 14:00–16:00, study psychologist Mari Tirronen, tel. +358 50 569 1806
- Wed 25 Nov, 14:00–16:00, study psychologist Saara Kuusisto, tel. +358 50 569 8877
- Wed 2 Dec, 14:00–16:00, study psychologist Katri Ruth, tel. +358 40 355 2044
- Wed 9 Dec, 14:00–16:00, study psychologist Mari Tirronen, tel. +358 50 569 1806
- Wed 16 Dec, 14:00–16:00, study psychologist Saara Kuusisto, tel. +358 50 569 8877
In-person and online appointments
You can meet your study psychologist in person or online. Booking an appointment requires your consent to the processing of your personal data.
Online appointments use the Nordhealth Connect platform, which provides an encrypted connection. To participate in an online appointment, you need to register with Nordhealth Connect using strong identification.
Study psychologists
- Kuopio campus: Katri Ruth
- Joensuu campus: Mari Tirronen and Saara Kuusisto
The study psychologists’ offices in Joensuu are on the second floor and require the use of stairs. However, you can arrange to meet in an accessible location. Please mention your need for an accessible meeting place in your booking email.
Frequently asked questions
I have never had psychological counselling before. What should I expect?
Every appointment is different. You will have an informal conversation about your life situation, your studies, and what brought you to the appointment. The conversation follows your wishes, needs, and feelings. Often you will go through what you have already tried in order to resolve the situation and think together about concrete steps that might help.
It is completely normal to feel nervous before your first visit. You will be met with an open, respectful, and warm approach, whatever your situation may be.
How often can I see a study psychologist?
At your first appointment, you will agree on how to continue. Usually there are one to five sessions, and each session lasts 45–60 minutes. You can meet on campus, online, or over the phone. The support consists of individual guidance sessions rather than a long-term intensive therapeutic relationship.
What is the difference between an FSHS psychologist and a study psychologist?
FSHS psychologists are part of student healthcare and help with mental health issues. Study psychologists are university staff members whose role primarily covers questions related to studying and learning. Sessions with a study psychologist are typically fewer in number and less frequent than with an FSHS psychologist.
If you are unsure which one to contact, reach out to either one and describe your situation. You will be directed to the right place. Sometimes it can be helpful to use both services at the same time.
I have started to wonder whether I have ADHD. Can a study psychologist help?
Study psychologists do not carry out psychological assessments or provide rehabilitation or treatment for disorders. Diagnostics and treatment are always provided through healthcare services, usually at FSHS. However, a study psychologist can support you in planning your studies and finding suitable study techniques so that you can make progress in your studies in a way that works for you, despite any challenges.