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Student Mental Health Services

Frequently asked questions

  • How do I make an appointment to see a counsellor?

    We're here to help you. Here are a few ways you can book an appointment: 

  • Is there a cost to use counselling services?

    Counselling services are included in all Ontario Tech student ancillary fees—there are no additional costs. 

  • How do I know if I should seek counselling?

    No problem is too big or too small to seek counselling. When you are experiencing repeated emotional problems which interfere with your life and studies, it might be appropriate to seek counselling.

    Additional signs and symptoms may include:

    • Avoiding socializing with other people
    • Feeling anxious and overwhelmed
    • Feeling hopeless and helpless
    • Feeling low and more tearful than usual
    • Irritability or frequent mood swings or struggling to regulate your emotions
    • Prolonged sadness
    • Sleeping or eating more or less than usual
    • Thoughts of suicide or wanting to harm yourself
    • Using substances such as drugs or alcohol to help you get through the day

    Our team believes it is best to address issues as soon as they are identifed to help minimize or prevent any further escalation. 

  • How long will a counselling appointment take?
    Counselling sessions are up to 50 minutes in length.
  • How long will I have to wait for a first appointment?

    Student Mental Health Services is committed to minimizing wait times. We strive to accommodate first appointments within five days. If you are seeking an appointment sooner, please inform us when you call, email studentlifeline@ontariotechu.ca, or stop by. 

    If you require urgent assistance, use one of the following:

    • Off-campus: Call 911
    • On-campus: Call Campus Security at 905.721.3211
    • Help lines: 
      • Crisis Services Canada at 1.833.456.4566
      • Good2Talk at 1.866.925.5454
  • Who can benefit from counselling?

    Our team is equipped to help students with a variety of mental health conditions, many of which can be prompted by developmental and life concerns. Some examples include managing conditions such as:

    • Anxiety
    • Depression
    • Identity concerns
    • Loneliness
    • Low self-esteem
    • Relationship/family problems
    • Stress
    • Substance abuse
    • Trauma-related symptoms

    In addition, university students can be prone to population-specific concerns including:

    • Academic pressures
    • Adjustment to university
    • Career indecision
    • Difficulties balancing school/work/home life
    • Homesickness
    • Procrastination
    • Test anxiety

    Overall, everybody can benefit from counselling. We're firm believers that counselling can help you reach your goals and help you fully benefit from your university experience.

  • Can I bring a friend, family member, or significant other to my appointment?

    Yes, if you feel more comfortable with another person present, and if your support person attends voluntarily.

  • Do you prescribe medication?

    Counsellors at Student Mental Health Services do not prescribe medication. If you are pursuing a medication evaluation, you need to make an appointment with a physician at the Campus Health Centre or see your primary care provider.

  • Will my parents be notified of my involvement with Student Mental Health Services?

    Your information is protected and confidential. Unless required by law, anything discussed in counselling remains confidential. Parents, professors, administrators and others are not provided with any information regarding a student in counselling.

    Please be aware that there are exceptions to this rule; there are circumstances in which counsellors are legally obligated to break confidentiality. View our Confidentiality Statement to learn more. 

  • What if I want my counsellor to share information with others?

    Your information can only be released with your written permission. It is up to your discretion what information you do and do not want released. If you wish to have your information shared with others, please speak to your counsellor about this and sign a release of information form.

    Learn more about Student Mental Health Services privacy and confidentiality standards.

  • What if I feel like I don’t “click” or am not comfortable with my counsellor?
    You have a right to feel comfortable and safe in counselling. Please talk with your counsellor if you don't feel that way. The process of psychotherapy includes learning to communicate your needs with your counsellor. We encourage you to discuss feelings about your treatment directly with your counsellor, who can then change their interventions to accommodate you. If you don't feel comfortable approaching the counsellor directly, let the student information assistant know that you'd like to make an appointment with a different member of our team.
  • What supports are available after hours?

    Our team is not accessible after 4:30 p.m. on weekdays, on weekends, or on holidays.

    Please refer to our Student Mental Health Services resources page for more information about after-hours supports.