Therapists for Concordia University Students

Yes, and each group of students has its own plan:

• Undergraduates are automatically enrolled in the CSU Health and Dental Plan: 80% per session, up to $750 per policy year, for psychologists, psychotherapists, guidance counsellors, and social workers.
• Graduate students are automatically enrolled in the GSA Health and Dental Plan: 50% per session, up to $500 a year, for licensed psychologists only.
• International students are automatically enrolled in a separate Blue Cross plan: up to $750 per benefit year for psychologists, psychotherapists, and social workers.

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.

Private therapy sessions in Montreal typically run $120–$180, depending on the therapist's credentials, experience, and specialty. The CSU plan for Concordia undergraduates covers 80%, up to $750 a year. For example, on a $150 session, the plan reimburses $120, so you'd pay $30 out of pocket, and the maximum covers about six sessions.

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.

Concordia University offers a range of student mental health resources. Free counselling services provide mental health intake, goal-oriented one-time therapy, and short-term counselling, and CU Wellness offers peer support, wellness spaces, and workshops. Students can also access Concordia Student Nightline and Vent Over Tea to talk with a compassionate stranger. In addition, Queer Concordia, Black Presence Hub, and Otsenhákta Student Centre provide identity-specific support and resources.

Concordia Counselling and Psychological Services 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, with one-time therapy sessions and short-term counselling.

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.

You can find an English-speaking therapist in Montreal using a dedicated online directory like First Session and filtering by language. First Session stands out because therapists include short introductory videos and detailed profiles, so you can get a sense of their vibe before booking. Many therapists also offer a free 15-minute consultation, where you can see whether the therapist feels like a good fit before committing to a session.

Register with Concordia's Access Centre for Students with Disabilities (ACSD) by emailing [email protected] with your full name, Concordia ID, and documentation. For a mental health condition, the documentation must be issued within the past year by a licensed mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, medical doctor, or psychologist. It should include a diagnostic assessment or impression, a description of your functional limitations, how the condition affects your academics, and your current treatment.

For missed coursework, contact your professor. If you miss a final exam because of an unexpected medical situation, you can request a deferral (DEF notation) and write the exam later, during the deferred exam period or the next final exam period. Many cases don't require a medical note. If an ongoing medical situation causes you to miss a large part of the term, you can request a MED notation instead, which requires a medical note.

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