Counsellors for University of British Columbia Students

Yes. All registered UBC students, including international students, are automatically enrolled in the AMS/GSS Health and Dental Plan unless they opt out. It covers up to $1,250 per policy year (September 1–August 31) for sessions with a licensed psychologist, registered clinical counsellor, or therapist with a Master of Social Work.

Checking for an MSW: If your plan only covers social workers with a Master of Social Work (MSW), open the social worker's profile on First Session and look under More Info, then Education.

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 Vancouver typically run $100–$250, depending on the therapist's credentials, experience, and specialty. The AMS/GSS plan covers up to $1,250 a year. For example, at $175 per session, that maximum covers about seven 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.

UBC has a range of mental health resources for students. Student Health and Wellbeing offers free wellness advising, single-session counselling, and group counselling, including identity-specific groups (e.g. Asian Canadian, transgender and gender-questioning, neurodivergent, and international student groups). Student Health Service offers virtual or in-person appointments with a physician or nurse practitioner for mental health diagnosis, treatment, and prescriptions. Additionally, there are peer support options like the Kaleidoscope, UBC Mental Health Awareness Club, Student Recovery Community, and Black Mental Wellness Collective.

UBC Student Health 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 single-session counselling and identity-specific groups.

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 UBC's Centre for Accessibility in a few steps: gather medical documentation from a professional qualified to diagnose your condition (it must meet the documentation guidelines), complete the Information Form in the Clockwork portal, then book and attend a meeting with an Accessibility Advisor. If getting documentation is a major barrier, explain this on the form. The Centre may discuss limited accommodations in exceptional circumstances. Note that the Centre supports ongoing conditions; a short-term illness falls under Academic Concession.

For in-term work like midterms and assignments, contact your instructor to request an academic concession. For a first occurrence of an acute illness, a self-declaration is often enough. If you miss a final exam, contact your Faculty's academic advising office right away to request Standing Deferred (SD) status. Many faculties, including Science and Engineering, require the request within 48 hours. Deferred exams are usually written during UBC's SD exam period, and you generally need to be in good standing in the course.

No. First Session is an independent company, founded in Toronto in 2019, and is not affiliated with the University of British Columbia. We created this page specifically to support UBC 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.