Counselling Services

If you're in British Columbia (BC), call Counselling Services at 604 822 3811 to schedule a virtual or in-person appointment, offered Mondays to Fridays. First-time appointments are booked for the same day and arranged on a first-come, first-served basis.

You can also connect with the embedded counsellor in your faculty, who can provide support for concerns that students in your program commonly experience.

If you're outside of BC, there are other free counselling and health resources available. Get a list of support options specific to your location and needs with the Finding health support online tool.

There may be delays due to call volumes that are higher than usual. If you choose to leave a voice message, please speak clearly and leave the following information, as this will help us to return your call:

• Name
• Student number
• Phone number
• Faculty

Calls will be returned as soon as possible. You are welcome to call back and speak to the front desk directly.  When we return your call, we will be calling from an unidentified number. To protect your privacy, we will not leave voicemails unless we have your written permission.

Privacy and 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.

UBC Counselling Services uses a brief, intentional counselling model to address mental health concerns. After you share your information, the staff will connect you to the support option most suitable for your situation.

Wellness Advising

In a Wellness Advising appointment, you will meet with a registered mental healthcare provider who will listen to your concern and connect you to the most appropriate level of care in a timely way. Counselling Services can help you book an in-person or virtual 45-minute, same-day appointment that will focus on assessment and wellness planning. You may be connected to self-directed resources, workshops, life coaching, group therapy, brief counselling, or medical care.

Drop-in, Single-session Counselling

Many students find that a single counselling session can help them move forward in a positive direction. Drop-in Counselling appointments with a registered mental healthcare provider are best if you feel your concern could be met in one session. You can book additional drop-in appointments, but it may not be with the same counsellor. If this sounds like the right appointment for you, Counselling Services can schedule an in-person or virtual 45-minute, same-day appointment to help you focus on your strengths and identify helpful perspectives and/or strategies.

Group Counselling

If a group counselling program is the right option for you, it will be offered as an opportunity for you to learn new skills, connect with other students, and share your experiences about what is helpful in a confidential, safe space.

Brief Counselling

Counselling Services also offers brief, intentional individual counselling with registered mental health providers to help you cope with a wide variety of concerns. If it seems like you may benefit from more specialized or longer-term support, or psychiatric or medically supervised care, Counselling Services can help you connect to appropriate resources and referrals.

UBC Student Assistance Program (SAP)

Get free 24/7 counselling and life coaching service from the Student Assistance Program. Counselling is offered in multiple languages and can be accessed anywhere in the world by phone, video, and more.

AMS/GSS student health benefits

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.

You can submit your receipts from counselling or therapy services and claim up to $1,250 per policy year. Review the health benefit details and use the Pacific Blue Cross website to enter your claims.