Counselling for University Students – in Vancouver or Online
University life is a time of immense change, growth, and discovery. While it can be an exciting journey, it also presents unique challenges that can affect your mental and emotional well-being. Our counselling services are designed to support university students through these challenging times, helping you navigate your academic, personal, and social life with confidence and resilience.
Our team at Haven Wellness Collective truly understands the unique experiences and challenges that university students face because we’ve been there ourselves. Each member of our team has walked the path of university life, navigating many of the same pressures, uncertainties, and transitions that you may be experiencing now.
We know firsthand how academic pressures, social dynamics, and future uncertainties can impact your mental health and well-being. We’ve faced the late-night study sessions, the adjustment to living away from home, and the balancing act of managing academics with personal life. Our team of counsellors have not only studied these issues but lived them. We love being able to combine our personal experiences with our professional expertise to support you throughout your university career.
Common University Concerns We Can Support You With:
Academic Pressure
The demands of coursework, exams, and maintaining high grades can be overwhelming. Many students struggle with time management, study skills, and test anxiety. Our counsellors can help you develop effective strategies to manage academic stress and enhance your performance.
ADHD and Learning Challenges
Both diagnosed and undiagnosed ADHD and learning challenges can impact your experience and success at university. You may already know that you are neurodiverse, or you may be questioning “why is this so much harder for me than my peers?” Our team can support you in understanding your unique brain and learning challenges and needs and develop a plan for success in your coursework and career.
Homesickness and Adjustment Issues
Moving away from home and adjusting to a new environment can be daunting. Feelings of loneliness and homesickness are common. You may be living in a completely new country, or be living by yourself for the first time. We provide a safe space to explore these feelings and help you find ways to adjust and feel more connected.
Social Anxiety and Relationship Issues
Forming new friendships and managing relationships can be challenging. Whether you’re dealing with social anxiety, conflict with roommates, or romantic relationship issues, we can offer support in enhancing your communication skills, working through conflict, and navigating new relationships.
Mental Health Concerns
University students can often face mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, and stress. We are here to help you understand and manage your mental health, providing coping strategies and therapeutic interventions tailored to your needs.
Career and Future Uncertainty
Deciding on a career path and worrying about the future can cause significant stress. We know that course selection alone is a stressful time, and the questions “what are you studying?” and “what do you want to do when you graduate” can be anxiety provoking. We are here to support you in your career journey and offer a safe place to explore your hopes for a career, or help you pivot when you need. We can will help you explore your options, set realistic goals, and develop a plan for your future.
Financial Stress
Financial concerns are a significant source of stress for many university students. Balancing tuition fees, living expenses, and possibly student loans can be daunting. Our counsellors can help you manage financial stress by providing budgeting advice, exploring financial aid options, and teaching you how to manage your finances effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Recognizing the need for counselling can be challenging, but if you’re experiencing persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or stress that interfere with your daily life, it may be time to seek help. Other signs include difficulty concentrating, changes in sleep or appetite, feeling overwhelmed by academic or personal pressures, or having trouble managing relationships. Counselling can provide support, strategies, and a safe space to explore and address these concerns, helping you achieve better mental health and well-being.
Many university students have health insurance plans that include coverage for mental health services. We work with many students in Vancouver from UBC, SFU, Adler and City University who have benefit packages that cover counselling. We recommend checking with your insurance provider to understand the specifics of your coverage, including any limits on the number of sessions and potential out-of-pocket costs. We also offer assistance in navigating insurance claims and can provide the necessary documentation for reimbursement.
Our standard 50 minute counselling sessions are $145+ GST with Master’s Level Counsellors and Registered Clinical Counsellors. We have some lower cost options and some of our counsellors do provide sliding scale counselling sessions for university students. Depending on your benefits package, and financial situation you may be eligible for sliding scale counselling. Please contact our team to learn more.
The number of sessions needed varies depending on the individual and the nature of their concerns. Some students may find significant relief after just a few sessions, while others might benefit from longer-term support. During your initial sessions, your counsellor will work with you to develop a personalized plan that outlines the frequency and duration of your counselling based on your specific needs and goals. This is also a great question for a free consultation call with our therapists. If you’d like to speak with a therapist you can schedule a consultation call here.
Choosing the right counsellor is the most important part of counselling. We encourage you to consider factors such as the counsellor’s area of expertise, therapeutic approach, and personality. During your initial consultation, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss your concerns and preferences and notice how you feel when you are speaking with each therapist. We are committed to matching you with a counsellor who best meets your needs and with whom you feel comfortable. If at any point you feel that your current counsellor is not the right fit, we can assist you in finding another counsellor within our team or in our counselling network. If you want to read more about how to find the right fit you can read our blog here
What Now?
Your university years should be a time of growth and enjoyment, not overwhelming stress and anxiety. If you’re struggling, know that help is available. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards better mental health and well-being.
