Therapists for Brock Students

Private therapy sessions in St. Catharines typically run $150–$185, depending on the therapist's credentials, experience, and specialty, with psychologists often charging $200 or more. The BUSU plan offers up to $1,000 a year for mental health practitioners. For example, at $170 a session, that maximum covers about five sessions. Check how much your plan reimburses per visit, since you pay whatever it doesn't cover.

First Session lists every therapist's session cost upfront (taxes included) so you can consider your budget first. If cost is a concern, you can filter for therapists offering sliding scale rates, or for student or intern therapists offering low-cost therapy.

Yes. The BUSU health plan, managed through StudentVIP with Medavie Blue Cross, increased its mental health coverage in 2024 to up to $1,000 a year for sessions with a psychologist, psychotherapist, social worker or clinical counsellor. Graduate students are covered by the separate GSA plan, which has its own limits. Plans change each year, so confirm your coverage with your insurer before booking. If you're unsure whether a therapist qualifies, ask during their free consultation.

First Session doesn't offer direct billing. You pay your therapist by debit or credit card and receive an itemized receipt. Submit that receipt through Medavie Blue Cross's member portal or app, and you're typically reimbursed within 2–5 days.

Brock's Student Wellness and Accessibility Centre (SWAC) provides free and confidential individual counselling, group counselling, and single-session open-door counselling for registered Brock students (located on the 4th floor of Schmon Tower, ST 400). Student Health Services offers same-day medical appointments with doctors and nurses for mental health concerns. You can also drop in to the Student Health and Wellness HUB to de-stress or chat with a Peer Health Educator, or connect with a Wellness Navigator to help find the right support.

Counselling at Brock Student Wellness and Accessibility Centre (SWAC) is free for students and generally short-term. Wait times can fluctuate throughout the academic year, and students who need longer-term support may be referred to off-campus providers. It can be a great starting point.

Private therapy typically involves paying for sessions out of pocket, although eligible fees may be partially or fully reimbursed through your student health insurance plan. It can provide ongoing support over a longer period and more choice in selecting a therapist whose specialty and approach match your needs.

Have a family physician, nurse practitioner, psychiatrist, or registered psychologist fill out a functional assessment form outlining how your condition affects your studies. Register online, then schedule an intake appointment with a case manager to co-create an accommodation plan. If you're still in the process of getting a diagnosis, you may be able to get interim or temporary accommodations. To learn more, contact Student Accessibility Services directly.

For absences of up to 72 hours, such as a missed test, midterm or assignment, Brock accepts a Student Absence Self-Declaration Form instead of a doctor's note. Submit it to your instructor within 24 hours of the end of your absence; it can be used once per course per term. For longer absences or a deferred final exam, you'll need a Medical Verification Form signed by a doctor. You can book an on-campus doctor at 905-688-5550 x3243.

No. First Session is an independent company, founded in Toronto in 2019, and is not affiliated with Brock University. We created this page specifically to support Brock students and have researched all the information here. However, if you're unsure, we encourage you to double-check details with your school. The therapists listed on First Session are carefully vetted licensed professionals, and their sessions may be eligible for reimbursement through your student health insurance.