Counselling services
We’re here to support you. UCalgary students can access free, confidential counselling for a wide range of mental health and well-being concerns.
Support for what’s weighing on you
Our counsellors are here to support you with whatever you’re facing, no matter where you are on the Mental Health Continuum, whether you’re feeling a little off or really overwhelmed. Many students reach out for help with things like stress and anxiety, depression, loneliness and isolation, or relationship challenges. If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not alone, and talking to someone might really help. Counselling can help you:
- Deepen understanding of thoughts, emotions, and behaviours
- Explore values, purpose, and meaning
- Work through dilemmas and getting unstuck from a problem or concern
- Find new ways to make positive change
Tools to help you feel better
Building a trusting relationship with your counsellor creates space for honest conversations. Through these conversations, your counsellor can help you explore new ways of thinking, adjust unhelpful habits, and take positive steps toward feeling better and more in control of your well-being.
Counselling appointments are available in-person at the Health and Wellness Clinic or virtually.
Find the right counselling for you
Our clinic provides free and confidential counselling to UCalgary students.
If this is your first time booking, or if you’re looking for a single counselling session with Student Wellness Services, start with One-at-a-Time Counselling. In this 75-minute session, we’ll talk things through and explore next steps. If not all concerns are resolved in one session, this can be a starting point for Brief Ongoing Counselling sessions.
One-at-a-Time Counselling
75 mins
This single-session appointment is meant to help you with whatever’s most pressing right now. It offers a supportive space to reflect, talk things through, and explore next steps.
You and your counsellor will set a goal to guide your work together. You might focus on managing difficult emotions, sorting through a personal dilemma, or finding ways to improve your overall well-being.
Not all concerns can be fully resolved in one session, but your counsellor will do their best to support you during the time you have together. Depending on your needs, the session may also serve as a starting point, or intake, for Brief Ongoing Counselling. If helpful, your counsellor can suggest other campus or community resources that might be a good fit.
Please note: Students should start with one accepted On-at-a-Time counselling session. At the your appointment, you should inquire with the counsellor whether or not you should continue with additional One-at-a-Time sessions or be booked into a Brief Ongoing counselling. If the counsellor recommends to continue One-at-a-Time counselling, students can book (1) subsequent session. Only one counselling appointment per student will be accepted at any given time. Multiple sessions booked ahead of time will not be accepted.
Brief Ongoing Counselling
50 mins
Available by referral, after a One-at-a-Time Counselling appointment.
Your counsellor will work with you over a series of counselling sessions to provide focused, goal-oriented support to stabilize your situation and build coping strategies.
Once your goal is met, your counsellor can help you transition to other support options, whether that’s ongoing care through community resources or another campus service. Brief Ongoing Counselling is designed to help you move forward with focused support, one step at a time.
How to book your counselling appointment
If you’re a new to booking, we’ll ask you to start by filling out a brief demographic and consent form from Ocean. Then you’ll be able to book appointments online with Medeo.
If you’re unsure about booking processes or have any questions, please get in touch with us at 403-210-9355 or swsmentalhealth@ucalgary.ca.
What to expect and how to prepare for counselling
Prepare for your in-person or virtual appointment
Please have your student ID number and emergency contact information ready.
If you are having a virtual session, you will receive a link to a Microsoft Teams or Medeo meeting prior to your appointment. To prepare for the session:
- Choose a quiet and private location. If you’re having difficulty finding a location, contact Student Wellness Services prior to the session, we can arrange a private location on campus.
- You are encouraged to wear headphones for best sound quality, and so that the counsellor’s voice will not be audible to others.
- It is preferred to be on-camera, especially for your first appointment, if possible.
- Use a private and secure internet connection (e.g., your home wi-fi).
What will your first one-at-a-time counselling session look like?
- When you arrive, be sure to check in at the front desk.
- At the beginning of the appointment, your counsellor will review the forms with you, and spend some time getting to know you and your goals.
- The counsellor will collaborate with you to identify next steps for addressing your goals. This can look differently, depending on the nature of your goals (e.g., developing new insight, learning new skills, identifying natural supports).
- At the end of your appointment, you and your counsellor will discuss next steps, which may include taking time to implement what you’ve learned and/or booking a follow-up appointment with your counsellor. We refer to follow-up appointments as “Brief Ongoing Counselling.” Brief Ongoing Counselling typically continues with the same counsellor, though your counsellor may recommend seeing someone else on the team who offers specialized skills related to your counselling goals.
Tips to get the most from your counselling session
- You may find it helpful to prepare for the session by writing down questions you may have, resources you may need, or topics that you would like to discuss. Ask yourself: What is most important for me to talk about today?
- Be direct with the counsellor about your priorities and goals for the session.
- You may want to consider the approach that is most helpful to you. Would you like ‘homework’ after each session? Would you like the counsellor to be directive, or would you prefer to take the lead in therapy? This will allow the counsellor to adjust their approach to fit your preferences.
Counselling FAQ
You may find it beneficial to review the counsellor biographies to choose someone comfortable to you.
No, one at a time means a single session at a time – you can discuss your most pressing issues, and if you would benefit from further support your counsellor may refer you for Brief Ongoing Counselling or other support options.
Brief ongoing counselling is a short series of counselling appointments.
As a public institution, the Government of Alberta provides direction about the types of health services provided by public post-secondary institutions. The Government of Alberta has given the mandate to public post-secondary institutions in Alberta to provide brief mental health support to our students, rather than ongoing.
On average, students accessing brief counselling find they are able to address their concerns in 4-6 sessions. Depending on the situation, some students may access additional sessions and others may access less.
Adjusting to the stresses of university life?
Student support advising can help manage the stresses of university life by connecting you to the right resources, both on and campus. A student support advisor will work with you to find healthy ways to care for your mental health, build coping strategies, and make positive changes that support your overall well-being.