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Individual support

The social service is here to support you in all discretion with any questions or difficulties you might have. It can help to talk to someone about your situation, thoughts and feelings. Discussing your mental health can lead to valuable insights.

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Are you looking for psychological support outside Howest?

You can contact psychologists for individual support outside Howest. You can search for a therapist via https://www.vindeentherapeut.be/ (in Dutch), where you can select on region and language.

The cost of a consultation with a therapist is on average €65. Financial support is possible if you are a member of a Belgian health insurance fund. You can receive a reimbursement for mental health care.

Next to the average cost, there is a possibility to consult a therapist via a reduced tariff of €11 or €4. For students up to 23 years of age, there is no personal share. The conditions are also being a member of a Belgian health insurance fund and the therapist needs to be a member of the "convention". You can find a convented therapist via https://www.elpen.be/.

If you want a professional referral to a therapist, you can contact a GP. Or you can contact the social services department.

More information about the health insurance fund:

A Belgian health insurance fund is next to the basic health insurance of Expat & Co. Then you have a membership contribution, on top of the legal contribution, which depends on the health insurance fund. For students with an European Health Insurance card (EHIC), affiliation is free to all mutual health organisations.

List of Belgian health insurance funds (you have a free choice):

For students without EHIC, you can join the local service of the Hulpkas voor Ziekte- en Invaliditeitsuitkeringen - English. This is a government organisation where the affiliation is free, but they don't offer any other services beyond the compulsory health insurance.

Students usually need the following documents to join a health insurance fund:

  • identity card or pasport

  • proof of enrolment at a Belgian educational establishment

  • proof of residence in Belgium (e.g. rental contract)

  • other documents depending on the specific purpose to reach
    an appropriate solution together

Group offer

Group training sessions

Apart from possible individual counselling, you can take part in a small number of English spoken student training sessions in the course of the academic year. We focus on specific themes that may be recognisable to you as a student: fear of failure, procastination, worrying, stress, etc. Training sessions and workshops are organised per semester.

More information

Stuvo connects

Connecting with others is essential for every student. Stuvo Connects creates new opportunities to meet others and inspires you to share interests. We pay attention to developing a positive mindset. Discover our range of activities, for and by students, with a focus on community & wellbeing.

More information

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Contact us

You can reach the members of the social services by phone or e-mail.

Do you wish to make an appointment right away? Then you can do so via their online agenda. Please keep in mind there can be a possible waiting time.

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More help outside Howest

Are you looking for support outside Howest, do you need someone to talk to, some advice or extra help while the social service is unavailable? You can check out the following services and platforms for support:

  • Moodspace, a place for students with tips and information.
  • For a chat and advice, you can turn to JAC.
  • An Overkop house provides a safe place where you can drop in anytime and talk to professionals.
  • For a few free therapy sessions with volunteer psychologists, you can visit ‘therapeuten voor jongeren’ (therapists for young people).
  • Elpen helps you find a conventional psychologist in West Flanders.
  • If you are struggling with your studies, you can chat with Teleblok
  • To apply for a study grant: 1700 or www.studietoelagen.be

Talking helps!

Emergency numbers

Teleonthaal: 106

a telephone conversation or chat

tele-onthaal.be

Medical emergy number: 112

urgent medical assistance

General practitioner: 1733

a GP on duty

Awel: 102

a telephone and online helpline

awel.be

Suicide prevention: 1813

urgent need for conversation or chat

zelfmoord1813.be

Posion control center: +32 70 24 25 45

telephone advice in case of poisoning

Privacy

STUVO staff members are ready to support you in all discretion with any questions and difficulties you may encounter throughout your studies.

If intensive counseling is necessary, the staff member will provide a referral to a someone from our network of professional therapists.

The staff members of the student services department at Howest always respect your privacy.
To process your request for study financing, socio-legal advice, psychosocial support and participation in training courses, we have to collect and process personal data from you.

Read all about which data is processed and how we deal with it correctly

Coordination