As classes and other activities re-open on campus, many students may feel some anxiety or worry about their risk of infection, new social expectations, and the adjustment of daily routines on campus life. These feelings are normal, however, if you need help in coping with these feelings, there are resources available to help you manage your concerns during this time.
Managing your mental health during the transition back to campus
What Counselling Services can help with
Same-day, single-session counselling
Many students find that a single counselling session can help them move forward in a positive direction. Available to students in British Columbia, these 45-minute same-day appointments are virtually available as well as in-person and are goal-directed, focusing on strengths and identifying helpful perspectives and/or strategies. Call Counselling Services to book an appointment.
Wellness Advising appointment
Available to students in British Columbia, virtually as well as in-person, these 15- to 20-minute appointments with Wellness Advisors who are registered clinical counsellors focus on assessment and wellness planning that connects you to the level of support that best meets your needs. This could include self-directed resources, workshops, life coaching, group therapy, brief counselling, or medical care. See booking information below.
Group counselling programs
Group counselling is as effective as individual therapy for concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, and more. It can also benefit you in different ways such as being connected with other students who are going through a similar experience. See available online group programs to join.
Indigenous students support
We value and respectfully recognize Indigenous history, culture, traditional values, stories, and healing practices that support wellbeing alongside the use of western therapies.
If you’re an Indigenous student within British Columbia, and you would like to self-identify as Indigenous, we can offer you more support options, like arranging for a virtual appointment with an Indigenous counsellor.
Indigenous self-identification is not used for any purpose other than to support you better.
Call UBC Counselling Services at 604 822 3811 to schedule an appointment.
British Columbia Women's and Children's Hospital
On Wednesday afternoons, virtual counselling is available for UBC students completing programs at British Columbia (BC) Children and Women’s Health Centre.
To make an appointment, call UBC Counselling Services at 604 822 3811 and let them know that you'd like to make an appointment at BC Children's and Women's Health Centre (4500 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC).
Book an appointment
If you are currently located in British Columbia (BC), please call Counselling Services at 604 822 3811 to schedule an appointment, available from Monday to Friday. First-time appointments are booked for the same day.
If you're located outside of BC, there are other free counselling and health resources available. Find the support options specific to your location and needs with this online tool.
There may be delays due to higher than usual call volumes. If you choose to leave a voice message, please provide the following information:
- Name
- Student number
- Phone number
If you were unavailable during the call back, you may receive a voice message stating “We have received your call. Please call us back when you are available to do so.” This is because the voice message cannot disclose that the call is from Counselling Services without your written permission.
UBC Student Assistance Program (UBC SAP)
UBC also offers a free 24/7 counselling and life coaching service, accessible anywhere in the world. The service is offered in multiple languages by phone, video-counselling, and more.
Other counselling services
AMS/GSS student health benefits for counselling
If you are registered with the AMS/GSS Health and Dental plan you have up to 100% coverage of the cost towards psychotherapy services from a licensed psychologist, registered clinical counsellor, or a therapist with a Master’s degree in Social Work.
Submit your receipts to claim up to $1,000 per policy year. Review the health benefit details and use the Pacific Blue Cross mobile app to enter your claims.
Mental health resources
24/7 Support
If you need to talk to a health professional
- UBC Student Assistance Program (UBC SAP)
Accessible anywhere in the world
Receive free, 24/7 crisis counselling by phone, video counselling, and more. - Here2Talk
Accessible anywhere in the world
Get started with free, 24/7 single-session counselling by phone or online chat for all UBC students, no matter where you are in the world. - Crisis Centre BC
Accessible in British Columbia
If you or someone you know is feeling hopeless or at risk of harm, call or chat online with a crisis responder any time - First Nations Health Authority
Accessible in British Columbia
Get tips, guides, and resources, find out about your health benefits, and more. - First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line
Accessible anywhere in the world
Receive online and phone counselling and crisis support.
On-campus support
- Nurse on Campus
Accessible within UBC Vancouver campus
Visit a registered nurse during drop-in hours for confidential, free, and in-person support.
Online self-help tools
- Therapy Assistance Online (TAO)
Accessible anywhere in the world
Manage your well-being with tools on stress, relationship problems, substance use, and more. Register with a UBC email, which you can set up for free. - Wellness Together Canada
Accessible anywhere in the world
Complete a free mental health online assessment and connect to online wellness resources or get counselling if you’re Canadian by phone, text, or video. - MindHealth BC
Accessible in British Columbia
Take an online assessment and find resources to support your mental health.
Find health support
If you’re not sure what other resources are available to you, answer a few questions and get a list of support options specific to your needs.
Confidentiality
All of UBC’s health professionals are committed to keeping your visit and concerns completely private and confidential.
Information about you and your health can only be shared with your permission, or when safety concerns or legal requirements arise.
If you have any questions about confidentiality, please ask during your appointment.
Counselling practicas and internships
UBC Counselling Services offers doctoral internship and practicum placements to students in graduate counsellor training programs. The internship and practicum are high-quality, personalized training experiences in an open, collegial atmosphere that promotes self-exploration and growth.
Share your feedback
If you've visited or booked an appointment with Counselling Services, please take 5 minutes to give feedback about your experience and tell us how we did.
