RWTH and FH Aachen to Open Joint Center for Mental Health

The facts are alarming: The number of students suffering from mental illnesses requiring treatment has increased dramatically over the past years. For many of those affected, reluctance to seek professional help continues to be high. In addition, there is a lack of suitable options. RWTH Aachen, together with the University of Applied Sciences Aachen (FH Aachen), would like to stem this tide by expanding its service offerings: At the Center for Mental Health (ZPG) for students and postgraduates, a team made up of psychiatrists, psychotherapists and social workers is available at short notice; i.e., without any waiting periods, for professional help with all mental problems and crisis events. Upon request, this service can also be provided in English. RWTH Rector Ernst Schmachtenberg: "An excellent education requires not only professional qualification, but also the development of a stable personality." At today's official opening ceremony, Ernst Schmachtenberg greeted the ZPG as a useful und necessary complement to the other support services of the University: "An excellent education requires not only professional qualification, but also the development of a stable personality. For this to happen, it is sometimes necessary to overcome life crises in a reflective way." For Marcus Baumann, Rector of the Aachen University of Applied Sciences, the ZPG with its information and advising service also provides an opportunity to raise the awareness among students and postgraduates of their physical and mental health.