Therapists for McMaster University Students

Yes. Full-time undergraduates taking 18 or more units across Fall and Winter are automatically enrolled in the MSU Health & Dental Plan, which covers clinical psychologists and psychotherapists at 80% per session, up to $300 per policy year. Part-time undergraduates can opt in through MAPS. Graduate students are automatically enrolled in the GSA Student Health & Dental Plan, which covers clinical psychologists, social workers, clinical counsellors, MSWs, and licensed psychotherapists at $100 per visit, up to $400 per academic year, with a referral from a medical doctor.

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 Hamilton typically run $120–$220, depending on the therapist's credentials, experience, and specialty. 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.

McMaster University has a comprehensive range of student mental health resources. The Student Wellness Centre (SWC) offers free counselling, including intake appointments, short-term solution-focused counselling, wellness skills workshops, and therapist-assisted programs. The Student Case Management Office (SCM) assesses student needs, refers to campus or community resources, coordinates leaves of absence, and manages complex medical needs. Student Accessibility Services (SAS) provides academic accommodations and related supports for students with disabilities. There are also identity-specific supports and communities like McMaster Indigenous Health Movement (IHM), Pride Community Centre, and Maccess. Learn more on the Student Wellness Centre's resources page.

Counselling at McMaster's Student 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 short-term counselling, skills workshops, and therapist-assisted programs.

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.

Register with Student Accessibility Services (SAS) by requesting an intake appointment and uploading your Assessment of Functional Impairment (AFI) and medical documentation through the Student Portal. For a mental health condition, SAS accepts its own documentation form, a mental health assessment, or a doctor's letter from the last five years. If you don't have documentation, you can give the SAS Standard Documentation Form to your health care professional to complete. At your intake appointment, an advisor will work with you to set up accommodations.

For missed term work, McMaster uses the McMaster Student Absence Form (MSAF). You can self-report short absences in Mosaic for work worth less than 25% of your grade. For longer absences or heavier assessments, your Faculty or Program Office can file an MSAF Administrative Report with supporting documentation. If you miss a final exam, submit a Petition for Special Consideration: Request for Deferred Examination (Form B) to your Faculty office, typically within five business days. Check your course outlines too, since some explain how missed work will be handled.

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