Abstract

Academic stress is a prevalent and significant issue affecting students in higher education institutions worldwide, and Pakistani universities are no exception. With the rising academic pressures, students often experience psychological distress, which can impede their academic performance and overall well-being. Counseling services in universities have been identified as crucial in mitigating academic stress and promoting mental health. However, despite their importance, many universities in Pakistan still face challenges in providing effective counseling services. This study critically examines the role of counseling services in alleviating academic stress among university students in Pakistan, evaluating the current state of counseling availability, its utilization, and the barriers preventing access to these services. By using a mixed-methods approach involving quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews, this research aims to explore students' experiences with counseling services and provide actionable recommendations for improving mental health support in Pakistani universities. The findings indicate that while counseling services have a positive impact on students' mental health and academic outcomes, significant barriers such as stigma, limited access, and inadequate counselor training hinder their effective utilization. The study calls for comprehensive policy reforms, increased awareness campaigns, and better resource allocation to enhance counseling services and support the mental health of university students.