Support for Students
Need to talk to someone?
Student Wellness Services is here to support your mental health and well-being. They provide UCalgary students with free, confidential and accessible mental health services, including counselling, from a multi-disciplinary team of health workers. E-mail swsmentalhealth@ucalgary.ca to book an appointment or learn more about their services below.
Enhance your mental health with these supports
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Student Wellness Services
Student Wellness Services provides mental health and medical support in a variety of ways.
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Active Living
Physical health is an important aspect in wellness. Active Living, part of the Faculty of Kinesiology at UCalgary, provides health and wellness programs, facilities, and educational opportunities that encourage lifelong active living for all. All UCalgary students have an Active Living Membership included in their general fees. This means you have access to excellent health and recreation facilities.
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Empower Me
For graduate students registered in the GSA Health Plan. Connect with qualified counsellors, consultants, and life coaches for a variety of issues. Accessible 24/7.
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Student Success Centre
Be supported and realize your full potential with UCalgary's Student Success Centre. Advising, learning and writing support will help you clarify your academic path and improve the skills to get you there.
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Thrive Priority Support Network
The Thrive Priority Support Network helps students who are facing challenges get the right support at the right time.
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First-year guide
Helpful tips and resources for families on how they can best support their students.
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Faith and Spirituality Centre
UCalgary supports your religious life and identity on campus. Connect to your faith, meet your peers, study, relax or engage in a variety of activities.
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Q Centre
The Students’ Union’s Q Centre is a safe, comfortable and inviting space for the LGBTQA+ community at the University of Calgary. Featuring a library and peer support services, the program coordinators and volunteers plan events and direct clients to relevant resources. Guests are also welcome to hang out and socialize.
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Women's Resource Centre
Providing a safe and supportive place to advance gender equality and build community through sharing, learning and teaching, the Women's Resource Centre values all experiences and offers the resources necessary to make informed choices.
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Writing Symbols Lodge
A place for Indigenous learners to connect to community and cultural traditions and find supports to advance their educational aspirations.
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Student clubs
Clubs can help you forge new friendships and navigate your interests during your degree. They can also offer meaningful ways to build skills and professional networks too.
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Substance use support
Struggling with substance use? Find support by talking to our Harm Reduction Support Advisor.
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Post-alcohol support space (PASS)
PASS is a medically supervised, judgement-free place where members of the university community can safely sleep off the effects of alcohol. Call Safewalk (403-220-5333) from any on-campus location to request an escort to the PASS for you or someone you’re with. Located in Cascade Hall, the PASS is open on Thursday evenings and for special events during the fall and winter semesters.
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Support with opioids
Get informed about opioids with facts and training. Get support with our on and off campus resources.
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UCalgary Recovery Community
The UCRC is an inclusive, peer-driven space supporting all pathways to recovery, building community, and reducing addiction stigma on campus. Get support with substance use and recovery through a community of caring peers. Activities include ally training, peer-support, social events, and anti-stigma initiatives.
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Sexual Violence Support Advocate
You are not alone. Sexual Violence Support at UCalgary is here to help. Get connected with a confidential voice to talk to and access other resources including emotional, medical and legal support.
Local and national mental health resources
Crisis and distress resources
For local 24/7 mental health support, call Distress Centre at 403-266-4357 to speak with a highly trained volunteer who can connect you to further resources.
For Canadians aged 5-29, Kids Help Phone operators are professional counsellors, call 1-800-668-6868 to access or text CONNECT to 686868. To access the support you need in the country you reside in, visit the Child Helpline International website.
Alberta Mental Health Help Line is a confidential 24/7 service that provides support, information and referrals to Albertans experiencing mental health concerns. Call 1-877-303-2642 (toll free) to access.
Wood’s Homes Community Support has call and text services, visit their website for more information for how to connect to a trainee counsellor or social worker.
If you are having thoughts of suicide, call or text 9-8-8, where you will be connected with responder who will listen to you, support you, and keep you safe.
For Indigenous peoples, Hope for Wellness Helpline is operated 24/7 by experienced and culturally sensitive counsellors. Call 1-855-242-3310 to be connected or chat online.
Additional resources
Community Connect YYC connects Calgary's communities with affordable and barrier-free access to in-person, phone or video counselling sessions. Learn more.
Counselling Alberta provides affordable counselling with same-day appointments available. Virtual and in-person options are available. Learn more or call 1-833-827-4230 (toll-free).