Therapists for McGill University Students

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

• Canadian undergraduates on the downtown campus are automatically enrolled in the SSMU Alumo plan: 80% per session, up to $1,000 a year, for "mental health practitioners," which may include psychologists, social workers, and psychotherapists.
• Canadian master's and PhD students are automatically enrolled in the PGSS Enhanced plan (50% per session, up to $1,000 a year) and can switch to the Basic plan (50%, up to $500). Both cover licensed psychologists only.
• International students are automatically enrolled in International Health Insurance (IHI): up to $3,000 a year for psychologists or social workers who belong to their professional association, and psychotherapists who are members of the Ordre des psychologues du Québec.

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 SSMU plan for McGill undergraduates covers 80%, up to $1,000 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 eight 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.

McGill students can access a range of mental health resources through the McGill Student Wellness Hub, including free one-on-one counselling with professional counsellors, Local Wellness Advisors (LWAs) who can help students navigate campus resources, Access Advisors who can help determine what level of clinical care may be appropriate, and doctors who provide medical mental health and psychiatric care. Students can also access peer support through Hub Peer Supporters, the SSMU Peer Support Centre, SSMU’s Eating Disorder Resource & Support Centre, SACOMSS, Queer McGill, the Union for Gender Empowerment (UGE), and McGill Students’ Nightline. The Wellness Hub also offers mental health programming, including CBT for Anxiety & Depression, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) Skills, and Mindfulness and Self-Compassion, as well as support groups such as the Neurodivergent & Chronic Conditions Student Support Group and Student Parent Support Group.

Counselling at the McGill Student Wellness Hub 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 counsellors, wellness advisors, and doctors all under one roof.

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.

McGill students looking for private therapy in English or French can use First Session to find a therapist. Simply filter by your preferred language, browse therapist profiles, watch short intro videos to feel their vibe, and book a free consultation before committing to anything.

Register with McGill's Student Accessibility and Achievement office. Ask your treating health professional, or the provider most familiar with your condition, to complete the Student Accessibility & Achievement Referral Form (available in English and French), then book an appointment through ClockWork with your McGill login. At your appointment, an advisor will discuss your barriers and determine your accommodations. The office is currently experiencing high demand, so register as early as you can.

For missed assignments or midterms, contact your professor as soon as possible and be prepared to provide confirmation of your illness. The Student Wellness Hub can provide medical notes. If you miss a final exam on the official Final Exam Schedule, you can apply to defer it through the Deferred Exam Application on Minerva. Documentation rules vary by faculty, so check with your faculty's student affairs office. If your mental health is affecting you on an ongoing basis, consider registering with Student Accessibility and Achievement.

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