Therapists for Dalhousie Students

Private therapy in Halifax typically costs $150–$250. Dalhousie students can reduce out-of-pocket costs by using their student health and dental plan. First Session lists every therapist's session cost upfront (taxes included) so you can consider your budget first. You can also filter for therapists offering sliding scale rates and mention your student status and coverage limit when reaching out.

Full-time students taking three or more full-credit courses starting in the Fall are automatically enrolled in the Dalhousie Student Union (DSU) Health and Dental Plan. Part-time, distance, co-op, or exchange students starting in the Fall, as well as those starting in Winter/Summer, must opt in manually. International students paying international fees are automatically enrolled in the DSU International Health Plan instead.

Dalhousie students on the DSU plan are covered for sessions with a clinical counsellor, psychologist, psychotherapist, or social worker (MSW) for $400 per visit, up to $1000 combined per benefit. International students are covered for up to $10,000 for counselling with a psychologist for an emergent condition and/or with a physician referral, or up to $500 per year for sessions with a social worker.

Yes, Dalhousie students can access therapy online. Online therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy for common concerns such as anxiety, depression, and chronic stress. For insurance reimbursement, it generally doesn’t matter whether the session is online or in person, as long as the provider is covered. Still, check your specific plan to confirm. Many therapists on First Session offer online sessions, with added evening and weekend availability, which can make it easier to fit therapy around a busy student schedule. 

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 Dalhousie is free for registered students and is often short-term. Wait times can fluctuate throughout the academic year, and students who need longer-term or more intensive support may be referred to off-campus providers. 

Private therapy typically involves paying for sessions out of pocket, although your student health insurance plan may partially or fully reimburse eligible fees. 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.

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.