Brushedaluminum, you sound like a wonderful boyfriend. It really shows you love her, which is wonderful.

Stressful finals can really, really lead to such horrifying experiences for people who don't know how to handle the pressure. This is totally what happened to me, and long story short it led to me dropping out of university a year ago, becoming suicidal at one point, and now hopefully slowly getting back on track. So I feel for you and for your girlfriend, for both of your perspectives.

Finishing finals will make her relieved for sure. An adopted cat sounds like a wonderful idea, I'd love it if my boyfriend and I - when we move in together - will be able to do that! Counselling would help a lot, consider asking her if she woukd like you to be there with her for the appointments - leave this open so that if she says no in the beginning she knows she can change her mind later.

If you forsee things in the near future that may cause her to feel extra stress (more summer courses? etc.) see if there is a way to reduce/eliminate them, talk to her about it. Constantly tell her she is beautiful and worth it and that you love her and you'll BOTH get through this. Let her know she is not alone and she has you. Oftentimes I would forget I have a loving and supportive boyfriend and I need constant reminders as I'm still dealing with several mental issues.

Bottom line: if you love her, don't give up on her. As simple as that. You'll both get through this difficult time, believe in this.