Counselling and crisis support (PsyCaD)

Researched by the VarsityStart team from official university sources. Last checked 10 October 2026. How we check

The Centre for Psychological Services and Career Development (PsyCaD) has an office on each campus. No appointment is needed for walk-ins.

Walk-in hours: Monday to Thursday 09:00–13:00 and 13:30–15:30, Friday 10:00–15:30.
Phone (weekdays 08:00–16:00): Auckland Park Kingsway 011 559 2394, Auckland Park Bunting Road 011 559 1318, Doornfontein 011 559 6042, Soweto 011 559 5752.
Email: psychservices@uj.ac.za
WhatsApp helpdesk: 073 802 9604
24-hour crisis line (UJ students): 082 054 1137
Cost and length: counselling is free for UJ students and sessions are usually about 30 minutes. Students in a psychological emergency are prioritised.
Crisis line: it is answered by one person at a time, so if there is no answer, try again. Pages differ on walk-in hours (Friday 10:00–15:30 above, or 09:00–13:00 and 13:30–15:30 on another page), so check the timetable for your campus.