The IMU Psychology and Counselling Learning Centre (PCLC) has successfully transformed into the IMU Mind Health Centre (MHC), marking a significant milestone in its commitment to expanding mental health support. Now located at the IMU University – Technology Park Campus (HIVE 3), the newly rebranded centre boasts improved facilities and a fresh approach to mental health services.

MHC relocated to the spacious new facilities at HIVE 3 on 3 February 2025 and opened its doors to the public on 10 February 2025. This move not only changed its address but significantly upgraded its capability to serve a broader community.

“Our new location allows us to better meet the needs of our clients with more spacious and numerous rooms, including specialised areas for children and families,” shares Ms Felicia, the clinic coordinator. “Our immediate priority is to ensure the smooth operation of these facilities while maintaining the high standards of service our community expects.”

The new centre features:

• 10 Counselling Rooms: Private, serene spaces for individual and family therapy.
• 3 Assessment Rooms: Modern facilities for comprehensive evaluations.
• 4 Workshop and Group Counselling Rooms: Facilitating group therapy and specialised workshops.
• Larger Waiting Area: Offering more comfort and better amenities for clients awaiting their sessions. This area now includes a special section for children, equipped with games and toys, making it a more comfortable and engaging space for young visitors and their parents.

Ms Chong, the administrator, comments on the relocation and rebranding efforts: “While the relocation may pose some inconvenience to IMU staff and students due to the change in building, it has made our services more accessible to the public, especially those working in Technology Park. The rebranding to ‘Mind Health Centre’ not only reflects our professional outlook but also helps in encouraging the public to utilise our services.”

“We have always prioritised maintaining high-quality support at our centre by ensuring our trainees receive adequate supervision,” explains Ms Chong. “With the move to a larger facility, arranging client sessions has become more manageable, enhancing the overall client experience.”

Interdisciplinary Learning:

The Mind Health Centre offers a practical environment where theoretical knowledge from psychology and counselling courses is applied. This hands-on experience is crucial for understanding complex mental health issues and tailoring interventions to meet individual needs effectively.

Enhanced Clinical Skills:

With its modern facilities, the centre helps students develop essential clinical skills such as psychological assessment, therapeutic communication, and intervention planning. These facilities allow for more comprehensive evaluations and a better understanding of therapy dynamics.

Ms Sarvesh, an admin intern, highlights the improvements in client and staff experience: “Definitely a lot of improvements in our new MHC! From bigger and more spacious rooms to an overall better client experience. Previously, PCLC’s counselling rooms were quite small, but now we have rooms overlooking the trees, which adds a natural touch to the space. We’ve also added a waiting area near the reception for kids and parents, making it a more comfortable and engaging space.” The transition has also impacted the way training is conducted.

Ms Lim, a clinical psychologist trainee, notes, “The spacious rooms with windows have transformed the ambiance of our sessions, making them feel more open and less confined. This has positively affected my training and the quality of service we provide.”

Despite some challenges like limited shuttle bus services and fewer food options, the trainees and staff are adapting well to the new environment.

As we continue to expand our services and outreach, the IMU Mind Health Centre (MHC) is poised to enter an exciting phase of collaboration and integration.

By the middle of this year, MHC will share space with the IMU Student Dietetics Clinic (SDC), fostering a multidisciplinary approach to wellness that combines mental and nutritional health. This collaboration is aimed at enhancing the holistic health services available to our community, making it a one-stop hub for both mental and dietary health needs. We envision MHC as a comprehensive centre for health support, integrating innovative practices and promoting an environment that fosters well-being and resilience. As these plans develop, we encourage our community to stay tuned for updates and to take advantage of the expanded services we will be offering.

To learn more about the IMU Mind Health Centre and its services, or to register for assistance, individuals can contact the centre via WhatsApp at 03-2720 6840 or visit the registration link at https://linktr.ee/imu.mhc. Follow the centre’s updates on Instagram at @imu.mhc.

Written by Tien Rui Wen