Introduction
Palestine Ahliya University (PAU) recognizes that the mental health and well-being of its employees are essential to creating a healthy, supportive, and productive working environment. The University provides staff members, including academic and administrative personnel, with access to professional mental health and psychosocial support services. These services aim to help employees manage personal and work-related challenges, cope with stress, strengthen emotional resilience, and maintain their overall well-being.
Professional Mental Health and Counseling Services
The University’s Counseling and Mental Health Department provides psychological and social support services to students, academic personnel, and administrative staff. Qualified specialists offer individual and group counseling through preventive, developmental, and therapeutic approaches.
For employees, these services provide access to professional guidance and support in addressing personal, social, emotional, and work-related challenges. The services aim to strengthen self-awareness, develop coping strategies, improve emotional well-being, and support individuals in managing stressful situations.
The University’s approach includes:
- Individual psychological and social counseling.
- Group counseling and psychosocial support.
- Preventive mental health interventions and early support.
- Guidance on managing stress and personal challenges.
- Workshops, awareness activities, and capacity-building programs.
- Follow-up and referral when additional specialized support is required.
Free and Confidential Access to Support
PAU provides staff members with access to mental health counseling and support without charge. The University emphasizes professional confidentiality and privacy when delivering counseling services, helping employees seek assistance in a safe and supportive environment.
The University’s Annual Report 2024–2025 confirms that mental health counseling services are available to both students and staff, with trained professionals providing confidential guidance and therapy to support their emotional and psychological well-being.
Youth Health Center and Inclusive Access
The Youth Health Center at PAU provides an additional access point for psychological and social support. Although the Center primarily focuses on youth-friendly services, its target groups explicitly include university employees and academic staff, alongside students and young people from the wider community.
The Center provides a safe and confidential environment where beneficiaries can access health information, counseling, and psychosocial support. Its services are designed to be inclusive and accessible, including for individuals with disabilities.
Mental Health Awareness and Staff Well-being
In addition to individual support services, PAU promotes mental health awareness and well-being through institutional training and awareness initiatives.
The University’s Sustainability Training Program for academic and administrative staff includes mental health and well-being as part of its social sustainability training content. The program is mandatory for all staff members and is delivered through workshops, seminars, online learning sessions, and case-study discussions.
This training contributes to raising awareness of mental health, strengthening supportive workplace practices, and promoting an inclusive and respectful working environment.
Institutional Commitment and Contribution to SDG 3
Through its professional counseling services, confidential support arrangements, inclusive health facilities, and staff awareness initiatives, Palestine Ahliya University demonstrates its commitment to supporting the mental health of its workforce.
By ensuring that academic and administrative employees can access professional mental health support and preventive well-being initiatives, PAU contributes to promoting good health and well-being across its institutional community, in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 3.