The aims of this exploratory study were twofold. First, we compared 35 students seen at a university-based counselling clinic with 35 non-student outpatients seen at a psychiatric clinic with respect to symptom impairment, depression, anxiety, and social adjustment. Second, we examined the impact of a four session Brief Psychodynamic Investigation (BPI) with the 35 students. No significant differences were found between the two groups on any of the measures. Following their receipt of BPI, students were significantly less depressed and anxious, and presented with less symptoms, with effect sizes ranging from 0.45 to 0.78. These results suggest that a four session Brief Psychodynamic Investigation can be effectively used with students, and is well-adapted to university-based settings.