Exploring Mental Health and Counseling Perceptions of University Faculty in Thailand

Mental health shapes overall well-being by influencing stress management, work performance, and social functioning. Global awareness has increased, yet stigma, fear, and limited access to services persist across many countries. Southeast Asia reports rising mental health concerns alongside insufficient professional support. Higher education institutions address part of this gap through campus-based mental health and counseling services. This study explored perceptions of mental health and counseling services among faculty and staff at Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi (RMUTT) in Thailand. The analysis identified clear patterns, with participants citing ongoing workload pressures, challenges in maintaining internal balance, and unequal access to counseling resources. Cultural expectations affected their help-seeking behaviors and reinforced the role of faculty as primary informal supporters of students. Institutional practices influenced awareness, referral pathways, and engagement with available services. These insights highlight areas for improving counseling programs at RMUTT and provide solid evidence for regional collaboration on mental health support in higher education.