UNIBS serves three functions at the University of the Free State. Its primary and most prominent function is the training and development of professionals in psychology at the registered counselling psychologist level. The training is designed in accordance with the requirements of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and ensures that students develop the core competencies identified by this professional body.

The unit’s second and third functions are public service and research. These functions support its primary role through the provision of specialised psychological services to the wider community and the production of relevant, high-quality research and publications. The unit prioritises evidence-based interventions supported by research.

In support of these overarching functions, the unit participates in international benchmarking partnerships. These include an internship exchange programme with KU Leuven in Belgium, as well as several established international research collaborations and initiatives.

Since the beginning of 2023, the unit has been one of only three internship sites accredited by the HPCSA to train counselling psychologists in the Free State and Northern Cape.

The multidisciplinary in-house team at UNIBS consists of:

• registered counselling psychologists
• intern counselling psychologists
• a psychometrist.

A multidisciplinary referral network comprising a neurologist, psychiatrist, occupational therapist, speech therapist, remedial educator, and social worker extends the services offered by the unit.