Counselling for University of British Columbia Students

All registered UBC students are automatically enrolled in the AMS/GSS Health and Dental Plan unless they've opted out.

UBC students get up to $1,250 per policy year (Sept 1–Aug 31) for therapy and counselling services.

Coverage amounts may change from year to year, so check your current plan documents or contact your insurance provider directly to confirm your coverage before booking. 

UBC students are covered for therapy with a licensed psychologist, registered clinical counsellor, or therapist with a Master's in Social Work. If you have questions about your coverage, you can reach out to your student union, insurance provider, or even ask a therapist directly whether they're covered. All First Session therapists offer a free initial consultation to gauge fit and answer questions like these.

Private sessions in Vancouver typically run $100–$250. With up to $1,250 in AMS/GSS coverage each policy year, UBC students can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs. First Session lists every therapist's fees upfront (taxes included), so you can budget accordingly. You can also filter for therapists offering sliding scale rates and mention you're a student seeking low-cost therapy. 

UBC has a range of mental health resources for students. Student Health and Wellbeing offers 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 Counselling Services is free for eligible students and generally short-term. Wait times can be long, as demand is high, and students who need longer-term support may be referred to off-campus providers. 

Private therapy typically involves paying for sessions out of pocket, although it can be partially or fully reimbursed through your student health and dental plan. It lets you choose a therapist who specializes in a specific mental health diagnosis, modality, or therapy approach, like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and offers greater flexibility in scheduling (including evenings or weekends) and format (online or in person). There are also no session caps, so you can get care however long you need. 

Yes. International students at UBC can access therapy. They are automatically enrolled in the AMS/GSS Health and Dental Plan unless they've opted out, which includes coverage for private therapy. 

Yes, UBC students can get online therapy. For insurance purposes, it usually doesn't matter whether the session is online or in person, as long as the provider is covered. Still, it doesn't hurt to check your specific policy. Many therapists on First Session offer online therapy sessions, making it easier to fit therapy around your studies.

For therapists on First Session, you pay the full session fee upfront by credit or debit card. You'll receive an itemized receipt to submit to your insurer. You’ll typically get reimbursed within 2–6 business days after submitting the claim.