Therapists for Dalhousie University Students

Private therapy sessions in Halifax typically run $150–$250, depending on the therapist's credentials, experience, and specialty. The DSU Health and Dental Plan covers up to $1,000 a year combined. For example, at $200 a session, that maximum covers about five 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.

Yes. Full-time students starting in the Fall are automatically enrolled in the Dalhousie Student Union (DSU) Health and Dental Plan, which covers sessions with a clinical counsellor, psychologist, psychotherapist, or social worker (MSW), up to $1,000 combined per benefit year. Part-time, distance, co-op, and exchange students, and anyone starting in Winter or Summer, need to opt in. International students are automatically enrolled in the DSU International Health Plan, which covers up to $500 a year with a social worker and up to $10,000 with a psychologist for an emergent condition or with a physician referral.

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, so you’ll pay by debit or credit card and receive an itemized receipt from your therapist. After your appointment, you can submit the receipt through your insurance provider’s online portal or mobile app. You’ll typically need the therapist’s name and credentials, the date and cost of the session, and your plan or member number. Your insurer will then review the claim, and you'll typically be reimbursed within 2-5 days for the eligible portion based on your coverage. 

Dalhousie University Student Health & Wellness Centre offers free same-day counselling for registered students. They may offer follow-up appointments and/or connect you with other services on and off campus if they deem those more appropriate.

For longer-term support or if you want a therapist with expertise in a specific mental health concern or therapy approach, you can also consider private therapy. Your student insurance may cover part of the cost, and some therapists offer sliding-scale rates based on your budget.

Counselling at the Dalhousie Student Health & Wellness Centre 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 same-day counselling available.

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.

Nope! Therapy is confidential. Your therapist cannot share what you discuss with anyone else, including your parents, professors, or employers, without your consent. Some do so only in certain circumstances, such as a serious and immediate safety concern or when disclosure is required by law. Your therapist can explain the specific limits of confidentiality in your first session. If you choose private therapy, one thing to keep in mind is your health insurance. If you use a plan where someone else is the policyholder, such as a parent's insurance plan, the policyholder may receive information about claims. If you're using your own student insurance plan, this generally isn't an issue.

Apply through Dalhousie's Student Accessibility Centre (or the Student Success Centre in Truro). Log in to Accommodate with your NetID, submit an accessibility request, and upload your documentation. For a mental health condition, have a qualified practitioner, such as the psychologist or physician responsible for your diagnosis or care, complete Dalhousie's Disability Assessment Form. An accessibility advisor will review it with you, and you'll receive a Student Registration Letter outlining your Student Accessibility Plan.

For a short absence of three consecutive days or fewer, complete a Student Declaration of Absence and submit it to your instructor within three calendar days after your last day of absence. It works like a sick note, and you can use it up to twice per course per term. For absences of four days or more, contact your instructor within five days and meet with your faculty advisor. The form doesn't cover final exams, so if you miss one, contact your faculty to request an alternative exam time. Note that Engineering, Medicine, Law, Dentistry, and Pharmacy have their own rules.

No. First Session is an independent company and is not affiliated with Dalhousie University. We created this page specifically to support Dalhousie University 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.