Therapists for Queen's University Students

Yes. Full-time on-campus undergraduates (including international and first-year BISC students) are automatically covered by the AMS Health and Dental Plan: 90%, up to $1,000 per policy year, for "mental health practitioners," which may include Registered Psychotherapists, Registered Social Workers, and psychologists. Part-time and QUIP internship students can self-enroll during the change-of-coverage period. Graduate students are automatically covered by the SGPS Health and Dental Plan: 80%, up to $750, 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 Kingston typically run $150–$250, depending on the therapist's credentials, experience, and specialty. The AMS plan covers 90%, up to $1,000 a year. For example, on a $200 session, the plan reimburses $180, so you'd pay $20 out of pocket, and the maximum covers about five sessions. On the SGPS plan (80%, up to $750), you'd pay $40 per session for about four 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.

Queen's University offers a range of resources to support student mental health and well-being. Student Wellness Services (SWS) provides free short-term counselling, as well as wellness coaching, group therapy, and medication management. Some counsellors have specialties such as Eating Disorders, Sexual Violence, Black-identified, LGBT2SQ+, Indigenous, and Cross-cultural/racialized students, while others help with more general concerns like academic stress, low mood, relationships, anxiety, and depression. Additionally, AMS Peer Support Centre and SGPS Student Advisors offer confidential peer-based support to undergraduate and graduate students.

Counselling at Queen's Student Wellness 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 counsellors who specialize in areas like eating disorders and support for Indigenous, Black, and 2SLGBTQ+ students.

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.

First Session doesn't offer direct billing, so you’ll pay for your session 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 information such as 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. 

Whether you see a therapist on campus or off campus, therapy is confidential. Your therapist cannot share what you discuss with anyone else, including your parents, professors, or employers, without your consent, except 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 before you begin.

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 depending on the insurer and plan. If you're using your own student insurance plan, this generally isn't an issue.

Register with Queen's Student Accessibility Services (QSAS) by completing the student intake form in Ventus and submitting documentation. For a mental health condition, you can use the Queen's Verification Form for Mental Health or an OSAP Disability Verification Form, completed by a regulated provider such as a family physician, psychologist, psychiatrist, or nurse practitioner. Other medical documentation is accepted if it confirms the disability, functional limitations, and duration or severity.

For a short absence, submit a Self-Declaration of Brief Absence to your instructor or Faculty office no later than a day after the absence ends. Instructors accept it in place of a sick note. For longer absences, repeat requests, or anything during the final exam period, submit a Request for Academic Consideration for Extenuating Circumstances with supporting documentation. The process varies by faculty (see Arts & Science for an example). If you write exams through QSAS and can't attend a final, also email [email protected] or you may be charged a no-show fee.

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