Professional Help-Seeking Among University Students: Awareness, Barriers, and Preferences for Psychological Support

Abstract

University students frequently experience psychological difficulties; however, many do not seek professional support despite the availability of psychological services. The present study examined awareness of psychological services, help-seeking attitudes, perceived barriers, and support preferences among students of Uzbekistan State World Languages University. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 235 students using an anonymous online questionnaire. The findings revealed that many students reported academic stress, emotional distress, and concerns about the future. Although most respondents were aware of the university’s psychological services, only a small proportion indicated that they would seek help from a psychologist. Students demonstrated a stronger preference for informal support from family members and friends, while many expressed willingness to use anonymous online psychological support. Self-reliance, stigma-related concerns, and perceptions that professional assistance was unnecessary emerged as common barriers to help-seeking