We have received a question around available mental health resources for students. Here are some of the ones we know about. Feel free to shoot us an email to add more to the list. The GAA team.

Counsellors:

• Empower Me. “Call the 24/7 helpline at 1 844 741-6389 (toll-free) from anywhere in North America to be directly connected to a trained counsellor. As a Plan member, you are entitled to sessions delivered in person, by telephone, by video-counselling, or by e-counselling.” In our experience, you can be entitled to 3-5 sessions which can be renewed with if needed. Info
• UBC Counselling Services.  Info

Psychologists:

• Psychologists through AMS Health benefits. Plan has 300$ limit.  Online video conferencing at a preferred rate.  Info

Psychiatrists:

• UBC Student Health services (inside the UBC hospital). You can book 30 minute mental health appointments. You can be referred to a psychiatrists if needed. Info.
• Access and Assessment Centre (AAC) (in VGH off campus) is open 24/7 and is freely available to anyone with an MSP. They have a clinician and if needed a patient can meet a psychiatrist on the spot. They can prescribe medication as well as refer patients to covered psychiatrists.  Info 
• A general practitioner can refer you to a public or private psychiatrists if needed covered by the extended health plan.

Emergency situations:

• Emergency Mental Health Services – Car 87/Car 88  (VGH off campus). AAC in VGH has an emergency department that can be accessed for non-life threatening mental health or substance abuse emergency situations such as Suicidal thinking, Self-harming behaviours, Highly intoxicated, Psychosis, Possible medical issues, or Aggressive/ violent behaviour.  Info 
• Crisis line. If you or someone you know is feeling hopeless or thinking about suicide, call or chat online with a crisis responder any time 24/7. Info
• If you are injured, in danger, or in urgent need of medical care: Call 911
  or visit your nearest emergency room

Support groups and networks

• Mental health awareness club (UBC). Info
• Support groups for people with mental health issues in Vancouver. Info
• Family Support Group. For families and friends of people with Mental Illness and/or Substance use concerns (in VGH off campus) Info

Peer support on campus

• Speakeasy. Free, confidential, one-on-one peer support for UBC students on campus. Info.
• Wellness Center. Wellness Peers can help with more than mental health. They know a lot about sexual health, academic stress, and student life. Info.