BUV hosts inaugural mental health conference: Connecting experts and Gen Z for future generation’s well-being

British University Vietnam hosted its first mental health conference to address the critical need for supporting youth mental health and resilience. The event brought together over 100 mental health experts and guests to explore practical models, current challenges, and strategies to create a supportive environment for Generation Z and Alpha.

The conference attracted more than 150 experts and guests

Mental health care in academic settings: Diverse practices with a shared goal

Across various educational settings, mental health initiatives share a central aim: creating a safe, inclusive environment for students to thrive.

In BUV’s case, as highlighted by Ms. Van Anh, Student’s Well-Being & Psychological Counsellor at BUV, a tiered support model is in place to meet different levels of need. BUV’s Wellbeing team aims to foster a proactive, open approach to mental wellness with initiatives such as the , modeled after the University of London’s approach, enlists trained student “first responders” to aid their peers.

Ms. Van Anh sharing about BUV’s model of mental health care for students

Similarly, Ms. To Thi Hoan, Psychology Specialist at Olympia Schools, discussed the multi-level intervention model, which is inspired by the National Association of School Psychologists. Olympia’s model ensures that mental health support is accessible at every level: universal programmes for all students, targeted support for those at higher risk, and individualised interventions for students with complex needs.

Olympia Schools’ mental health care model boasts a multi-tiered support system

Urgent demand for systemic reform within mental health care for Gen Z in Vietnam

BUV and Olympia are only two of the few educational institutions in Vietnam that emphasize mental health care for students. While experts are looking for ways to multiply these models with the government’s new plan of “one counselor per school”, significant challenges persist in addressing Gen Z’s mental health needs nationwide.

Dr. Pham Thi Hong Phuong of Dai Nam University emphasised that mental health awareness among students and families is still limited, while financial constraints and a shortage of trained counselors complicate access to care. Many students struggle with stigma or lack knowledge about mental health support options, while universities often face restricted resources to provide adequate services.

Dr. Pham Thi Hong Phuong emphasised a lack of awareness among students and families as one of the main challenges of mental health care in Vietnam

Dr. Nguyen Hanh Lien from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities discussed high rates of stress, anxiety, and depression among urban students, which, if left unaddressed, could contribute to increasing suicide rates. Education environment, she noted, has a unique role in creating emotionally supportive environments, though limited awareness and resources remain obstacles.

Dr. Nguyen Thi Hanh Lien reinforced the role schools play in mental health care for Gen Z

Dr. Nguyen Thi Chinh from the Institute of Psychology addressed broader mental health issues in Vietnam, where an estimated 26% of students face moderate to severe mental health challenges. Factors such as substance use, gaming addiction, and self-harm reflect the need for both preventive and intervention-based strategies. Dr. Chinh also emphasised the need for a respectful, ethical approach to supporting these students.

Dr. Nguyen Thi Chinh emphasised the need for an ethical approach to mental health care for Gen Z

Collaboration and Network: The key to future mental health care

The conference concluded with a call to action for strengthening partnerships between educational institutions and mental health organizations, thereby enhancing the support network surrounding each student, including their schools, families, and broader communities. Assoc. Prof. Pham Manh Ha from Vietnam National University highlighted the need for early intervention, regulatory frameworks, and sustainable practices to ensure ethical mental health services.

Assoc. Prof. Pham Manh Ha highlighted essential requirements for a better and more responsible mental health care model for students

Dr. Hoang Tu Anh, founder of the Center for Creative Initiatives in Health and Population, discussed alternatives from the Netherlands and the US, where patient support systems are robust even without on-site counselors. Finding a suitable counselor, she noted, can be a challenging process, and having a supportive network is essential for in-need students.

Dr. Hoang Tu Anh suggested alternative approaches to mental health care

Reflecting on the event, Prof. Rick Bennett, BUV’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President, shared, “At BUV we always try to reinforce in our students four core values—Kindness & Respect, Collaboration & Innovation, Sustainability & Responsibility, and Learning & Relearning. This conference embodies all these values and brings them together in a meaningful way.”

BUV’s mental health conference marks a significant step toward addressing youth mental health needs, paving the way for further partnerships, raising awareness, and advocating for resources. This is also an initiative to prove BUV’s commitment to raising students’ resilience and helping them face the challenges in an ever-changing world. By creating a foundation for mental health support, BUV aims to inspire similar initiatives across Vietnam and beyond.