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Psychotherapy and Mental Health

Psychotherapy and Mental Health Services offers confidential support to students navigating life challenges. It is a safe space to explore new perspectives and build resilience.

What you can expect

  • The goal of psychotherapy is to help you regain a sense of well-being.  
  • Our psychotherapists will help you identify and understand the challenges you are facing, recognize their impact on your life, and develop strategies to help cope with them. 
  • Psychotherapy is: 
    • Offered in both official languages 
    • Free for all uOttawa students 
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Mental Health Intake appointments

  • The intake appointment will focus on assessing your needs, discussing your goals for therapy, and providing referrals when needed.  
  • At the beginning of the appointment, you will need to fill out some forms. Our Mental Health Intake Officers can guide you through this process. 
  • Based on your preference, your intake appointment can be offered virtually, by phone, or in-person at the Student Health and Wellness Centre.  
    • Your preferred modality for subsequent appointments will be discussed with the Mental Health Intake Officer during your intake appointment.  
  • The service is closed on statutory holidays and when the University closes for the holiday period.  
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How to access

Book your Intake Appointment 

Come in-person for a same-day Intake Appointment (subject to availability, see below) 

  • The Centre operates on a first-come, first-served basis and allows you to see a Mental Health Intake Officer the same day, if you wish.  
  • The last appointment takes place an hour-and-a-half before the end of the day.  
  • Sometimes, spots fill up quickly and we will reach capacity before the end of the day. If this happens to you, we recommend that you book an appointment online or contact mental health services available 24/7 if your need is urgent. 
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Access specialized services

uOttawa Student Mental Health Services provides specialized referrals to a range of community-based mental health services that complement psychotherapy-based supports. These resources allow people to receive specialized care outside of a hospital setting. Specialized referrals can: 

  • Help students access the appropriate specialized service to support their mental health concerns 
  • Help students reach their optimum level of independent functioning 

If you would like to know more about our specialized referrals, please contact us at [email protected]. 

Important: Student Mental Health Services does not provide emergency service. If you think that you or someone you know is in immediate danger, or is too ill to wait for an assessment, you should access a psychiatric crisis service or hospital emergency room OR contact the Mental Health Helpline at +1 (866) 531-2600.  

Below is a list of community-based mental health services that are part of the Student Mental Health Services specialized referral program:

Explore other mental health supports