Counsellors for TRU Students

Private therapy sessions in Kamloops typically run $140–$175, depending on the therapist's credentials, experience, and specialty, with psychologists often charging $200 or more. The TRUSU plan pays $75 per visit, up to $600 a year. For example, on a $160 session, you'd pay $85 out of pocket for 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.

Yes. The TRUSU Health & Dental Plan, administered by GreenShield, covers $75 per visit, up to $600 per benefit year combined, for sessions with a psychologist, social worker, clinical counsellor, MSW, or registered psychotherapist. The plan requires a recommendation from a physician or nurse practitioner, renewed every 12 months, so get one before your first session. Full-time students taking 9 or more credits on-campus in the Fall are enrolled automatically. Part-time, winter and summer, or Open Learning students can opt in. The plan year runs September 1 to August 31. 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. You pay your therapist by debit or credit card and receive an itemized receipt. Submit that receipt through GreenShield's member portal or app, along with your physician or nurse practitioner's recommendation, and you're typically reimbursed within 2–5 days.

TRU Counselling offers free, short-term, solution-focused counselling for stress, anxiety, depression, and grief. Book in person at Old Main 1631 or call 250-828-5023. The TRU Wellness Centre (Old Main 1479) is a drop-in space where you can relax, nap, play a game, or have a cup of tea. Student Wellness Ambassador Team (SWAT) leaders are there Monday to Friday to offer one-to-one peer support and connect you with campus and community resources. The centre also runs wellness workshops and outreach events, and it's a Take Home Naloxone site. You can also see a doctor at the campus Medical Clinic and use the GuardMe Student Support Program for support outside office hours.

TRU Counselling 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 crisis counselling and a Mental Health and Addictions Specialist on campus.

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.

Obtain and submit recent documentation from a qualified professional, such as a physician, psychiatrist or registered clinical psychologist, describing how your condition affects your studies. Then, meet with an advisor at TRU Accessibility Services to discuss your needs and potential accommodations. They recommend starting this process about three months before your classes begin.

Contact your instructor as soon as you know you can't write an exam or meet a deadline, ideally before it happens. Instructors and your faculty can arrange a deferred exam, an extension or an incomplete grade, and you may be asked for supporting documentation from a health professional. If your condition is ongoing, registering with Accessibility Services gives you a formal route to accommodations. Check TRU's academic calendar or your faculty's advising office for the exact process and deadlines.

No. First Session is an independent company, founded in Toronto in 2019, and is not affiliated with Thompson Rivers University. We created this page specifically to support TRU students and have researched all the information here. However, if you're unsure, we encourage you to double-check details with your school. The therapists listed on First Session are carefully vetted licensed professionals, and their sessions may be eligible for reimbursement through your student health insurance.