COVID-19 Update: Counselling Services is currently providing services in-person, by phone and video during the following hours:
- Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. EST
- Tuesday and Wednesday from 4:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. EST for pre-booked appointments
To book an appointment please call 519-888-4096.
If you are out of the province, please seek care where you are or contact EmpowerME. To access Empower Me, create an account on the Dialogue mobile app or on the web at www.studentcare.ca/dialogue. If you’ve been receiving care from us and are having difficulty finding care in another province or country, please contact us to discuss your options and next steps.
What to expect at Counselling Services
Counselling Services and individual appointments are available at no charge to registered University of Waterloo students in classes or on co-op terms.
During your 50-minute appointment, you and your counsellor will work together to determine the best approach for you. This could include cognitive-behavioural therapy, mindfulness exercises, and many other approaches that will be tailored for your situation. You and your counsellor will determine the next steps at the end of your appointment.
Finding a counsellor who is the right fit may take more than one try. If you have specific needs, or would like to request a counsellor with lived experience or identity (e.g., 2SLGBTQIA+, Black, and others) please discuss this our Intake Specialists.
Virtual Appointment Information
Important information on keeping your Medeo account secure (2FA)
As a client of Campus Wellness, you may be using Medeo for virtual care, online booking and/or secure messaging. We suggest you setup your Medeo account security using 2FA with the following instructions:
- Log in to Medeo.
- In the top right corner, click the person symbol. From the drop-down menu, select My Account.
- In the Password & Security section, click Phone Verification.
- 2FA (or 2-Step Verification) is a second layer of security for your login. Click Start Setup.
- Enter your cell phone number. Note: You must include +1 in front of your number e.g. +15193234453.
- A Setup Pin Code (4 digits) will be sent to your cell phone. Enter the code. Click Finish.
- Once 2FA (or 2-Step Verification) is setup, you’ll see a green bar with ‘Turned ON’.
- When you sign-in to Medeo next, a pin code will be sent to your cell phone.
Virtual care appointment processes (phone)
At this time Counselling Services is currently providing services by phone and video. Please note that Counselling Services will contact you with full directions for how to call or video conference in for your appointment.
To book a video or phone appointment with Counselling Services, call us at 519-888-4096.
- If this is your first time contacting us, our admin staff will ask you some basic information (address, phone number, email etc.)
- They will email you our privacy and registration form
- They will book you a 30 minute appointment with our Intake Specialist (IS) for triage
- Remember to email us back the privacy and registration form before your intake appointment
Phone counselling appointments
At the time of your scheduled appointment you will receive a call from a blocked number. If you do not answer the counsellor will leave a Voicemail (if we have consent) to let you know they will be calling back in 10 minutes. If you do not have a voicemail, they will call back 10 minutes later. If you do not answer, you will receive an email with information regarding rescheduling.
When your appointment begins, the counsellor will determine the following:
- Both the counsellor and you can be heard clearly
- Your location at the time of the phone call
- If you have enough privacy to talk about what you want
- If there is a possibility the session could be interrupted and what would be best for you if that were to happen
- If the call is disconnected due to technical issues, the counsellor or someone from Counselling Services will call you back
Frequently asked questions
What do I need for my appointment?
- A space that's quiet and private
- A reliable phone or cellphone to make the call
What to expect during your Intake appointment
- Intake Specialists will call you from a blocked number
- They will review Counselling Services privacy and confidentiality policies with you
- They may ask questions regarding the reason for your call
- The Intake Specialist will schedule an appointment for you based on your needs and concerns
- You have an option to choose between phone appointments or video appointments
What to expect during your follow up appointment
During your appointment, you and your counsellor will work together to determine the best approach for you. This could include cognitive-behavioural therapy, mindfulness exercises, and many other approaches that will be tailored for your situation.
How do I book an appointment?
- Call Counselling Services at 519-888-4096
What happens if connection is lost during an appointment?
- The clinician will try and call you back. If that does not work, please call the Counselling Service office at (519-888-4096)
What do I do if I have an emergency?
- If you require emergency assistance, please call 911
Virtual care appointment processes (video)
At this time Counselling Services is currently providing services by phone and video. Please note that Counselling Services will contact you with full directions for how to call or video conference in for your appointment.
To book a video or phone appointment with Counselling Services, call us at 519-888-4096
- If this is your first time contacting us, our admin staff will ask you some basic information (address, phone number, email etc.)
- They will email you our privacy and registration form
- They will book you a 30 minute appointment with our Intake Specialist (IS) for triage
- Remember to email us back the privacy and registration form before your intake appointment
Video conferencing appointments
All video conferencing appointments will be conducted through Medeo. Medeo is a web-based program used by healthcare providers around the world for private and secure communication with clients.
- Medeo offers you secure video visits when in-person visits may not be possible
- Medeo is easy to set up and easy to use
- Full instructions and directions regarding how to download Medeo and get started will be provided to you by email after booking an appointment
*If you have any questions about Medeo, please contact Medeo Customer Support. If you have health related questions, please contact Counselling Services directly (519-888-4096).
Frequently asked questions
What do I need for my appointment?
- A space that's quiet and private
- High-speed internet (Wi-Fi or LTE)
- A computer with Google Chrome, webcam and microphone OR
- An iPhone or Android smartphone or tablet with the Medeo app
What happens if connection is lost during an appointment?
- The clinician will try and call you back. If that does not work, please call the Counselling Services office at 519-888-4096.
How do I get started with my virtual appointment?
- Accept your appointment invitation
- Sign up or login to your Medeo account
- Accept your appointment in Medeo
Who do I contact for technology related issues?
- Please contact Medeo Customer Support
How do I book an appointment?
- For scheduling or health related questions, contact Counselling Services directly (519-888-4096)
What do I do if I have an emergency?
- If you require emergency assistance, please call 911
What to expect during your Intake appointment
- Intake Specialists will call you from a blocked number
- They will review Counselling Services privacy and confidentiality policies with you
- They may ask questions regarding the reason for your call
- The Intake Specialist will schedule an appointment for you based on your needs and concerns
- You have an option to choose between phone appointments or video appointments
What to expect during your follow up appointment
During your appointment, you and your counsellor will work together to determine the best approach for you. This could include cognitive-behavioural therapy, mindfulness exercises, and many other approaches that will be tailored for your situation.
Missed appointments and rescheduling
If you are unable to attend a scheduled appointment or service, please let us know by contacting our office (519-888-4096) as soon as possible. If you do not provide at least 24 hours notice of a cancellation, you may be charged a missed appointment fee of $35.00. If there are reasons (ex. illness) that you might not be able to predict 24 hours or more in advance, please let either our receptionist or your counsellor know and this fee might be waived.
At your earliest convenience, we invite you to reschedule any missed or cancelled appointments by contacting our office (519-888-4096). Given the demand for service, it may be some time before we are able to reschedule a missed or cancelled appointment.
Confidentiality and email
Confidentiality
All information you share with your counsellor will be held in the strictest confidence. However, Ontario health privacy legislation allows us to collect, use and share your personal information among health care providers who provide or assist in providing health care to you.
Please speak to your counsellor if you would like to limit how we give out personal information to your health care providers.
The only exceptions to the strict privacy policy are those required by law (e.g., when a person presents clear indications of intending harm to self or others, where there is suspected or current child abuse, where there has been sexual abuse by a regulated health professional or when records are subpoenaed). Please see our privacy policy for more details.
We do not provide counselling using email because:
- Email is a vulnerable way to communicate
- We cannot guarantee that your email will remain confidential
- If you are concerned about security, consider calling us instead
If you email us:
- We reply to the address from which it was sent
- If you worry about your email being hacked, please call us or come by one of our offices
- Response time may vary (vacation, network problems, illness, etc.)
If you need an instant answer, call us during business hours at 519-888-4096.
Work Term and Out of Province or Country Resources
Work term resources
Co-op embedded wellness counsellors
Embedded wellness counsellors provide mental health support for students on recruiting terms, work terms and in preparing for work terms. However, for other support or questions during your work term or finding your next co-op, you can reach out to a co-op advisor. Advisors can also help with finding a place to live or address concerns during your work term and about your co-op job.
If you're studying or working on campus
- We offer counselling appointments, seminars/workshops, groups, online resources and information about other supports in your area. To book an appointment with a co-op wellness counsellor, call us at 519-888-4096 or fill out our contact us form
- Reach out to your co-op advisor for directional support and/or information about other resources on campus.
If you're studying or working off-campus
- Reach out to your co-op advisor for directional support and/or information about resources in your current location.
- Visit our Off-Campus Supports webpage to learn about all the resources available to you.
- All Ontario post-secondary students have access to the following helplines:
- Good2Talk — call 1 (866) 925-5454
- Here24/7 — call 1 (844) 437-3247
- Empower Me - call toll-free 24/7: 1-833-628-5589
Out of province or country resources
Off-campus emergency resources
- Go to the nearest hospital or safe place.
- Call a local help line.
- Contact us during regular University of Waterloo hours at Counselling Services, Mental Health, or Health Services, and we'll try to find local supports to help you. If you’ve been receiving care from us and are having difficulty finding care in another province or country, please contact us to discuss your options and next steps.
- If you are out of the province, please seek health care where you are or contact EmpowerME at 1-833-628-5589 (Canada and US).
- In addition to the number accessible from Canada and the US, you can reach EmpowerMe from the following countries at these toll-free numbers:
- Australia: 0011 800 33338008
- Austria: 0800295829
- Belgium: 00 800 33338008
- Brazil: 08008912519
- Chile: 12300200882
- China: North: 108007142831
- China: South: 108001402851
- Denmark: 00 800 33338008
- Finland: 990 800 33338008
- France: 00 800 33338008
- Germany: 00 800 33338008
- Greece: 0080016122040048
- India: 0008000403798
- Ireland: 00 800 33338008
- Jamaica: 1-855-480-2240
- Mexico: 018008741304
- New Zealand: 00 800 33338008
- Saudi Arabia: 8008500941
- Singapore: 001 800 33338008
- Spain: 00 800 33338008
- Taiwan: 00 800 33338008
- United Arab Emirates: 8000180008
- If you are located in a country that is not in this list you can reach out to Empower Me at callcenter@optimaglobalhealth.com and EmpowerMe will reach out to you directly.
- For information on health care centres including a diversity of healthcare support located in your current province/territory, check out the Co-operative Education mental health resources page.
- Let us know how we can help!
Other Information and Resources
Other resources on-campus
- Health Services doctors are available to help you with mental health concerns.
- UW MATES offers peer support counselling. MATES volunteers are trained by counsellors and your meeting with a MATES volunteer is just as confidential as meeting with a counsellor.
- Check out our Wellness Resources Database for more information about other resources on or near campus.
Other resources off-campus
Empower Me - Mental Health Resources
Toll-free 24/7: 1-833-628-5589
powered by Optima Global Health
Undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Waterloo, you now have access to additional support through Empower Me, a mental health and wellness service that seeks to contribute to a resilient student community by supporting existing on-campus and Studentcare mental health resources.
Empower Me has a number of professionals with various domains of expertise, including psychology, psychotherapy, social work, nutrition, etc., to support you and respond effectively to diverse needs. You can access services via telephone, videoconference, or in person (when permitted in accordance with public health guidelines and COVID-19 advisories).
Empower Me is:
• Available 24/7, 365 days a year
• Confidential
• Multilingual
• Culturally sensitive
• Gender inclusive
• Faith inclusive
Please note that the following services are not endorsed by UW Counselling Services but are additional options available to you.
- Provides counselling, therapy and trauma treatment services for individual, couples and families
- Sessions are $95 for UW students
- Helps individuals and couples in Kitchener-Waterloo become happier, mentally healthier people
- Sessions are $90 for UW students
- CBT, DBT, EMDR
- Safety to explore underlying wounds and traumas
- New skills to foster confidence in your own abilities
- Tools to problem solve current worries
- Help to accept reality and move on from events that cannot be changed
- Validation of your experiences and emotions
- Sessions are $100 for UW students
- Creating attainable goals, gaining awareness and helping you achieve the goals outlined
- Individuals, Couples and Family counselling
- Sessions are $100 for UW students
Bader Meditation and Counselling Services
- Provides psychotherapy, specializing in depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, addiction, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
-
A long-time teacher of philosophy at the University of Toronto, he has over two decades of experience working with university students, first as an educator and now as a therapist
-
Sessions are $160 for UW students
-
We provide a psychotherapy model called Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT). All of our psychotherapists have specialized training in CBT and other best practice models. We will use our expertise in collaboration with yours to help you improve your life
-
Sessions are $110 for UW students
- We can access psychiatric assessments with our clients for diagnosis & medication
- We have a therapy dog named Rosie
- Currently all sessions are by phone or video
- We are LGBTQ+ supportive
- $100+ HST per session
- We help you live happily and courageously. Because counselling should do more than just help you cope
Kathryn Jones - 519-465-4481 or email: kjonesmswrsw@gmail.com
- Primary modalities are CBT, ACT, and Mindfulness
- $150 per session with sliding scale after University of Waterloo student benefits are exhausted
Information about Student medical insurance
Full-time undergraduate students who are enrolled in 1.5 on-campus credits, undergraduate co-op students on an officially recognized work term, and graduate students on a study term are automatically enrolled in the WUSA/GSA Health and Dental Plan.
For information regarding the health and dental plan, visit Student Care, call 1-866-369-8794, or visit the Finance website.
For information regarding health claims, visit How to Claim webpage.
For information about mental health practitioners, visit Health Benefits webpage.
Information about the new OHIP+ program is available on the StudentCare website.
What can I do for myself right now?
- If you are in crisis, contact our emergency contacts.
- Our Coping Skills seminars are also available online.
- Our Workshops are offered every term and can be registered for on GoSignMeUp.
- UW MATES offers appointments with Peers.
- The Good2Talk helpline is for post-secondary students and is available 24/7.
- Here 24/7 is the Region of Waterloo mental health helpline and is also available 24/7.