Therapy and Counselling for UBC 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.

UBC students are covered for mental health support from a licensed psychologist, registered clinical counsellor, or therapist with a Master's in Social Work. If you have questions about your coverage, you can raise them directly with a therapist. 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, most students can significantly reduce or fully eliminate out-of-pocket costs. First Session lists every therapist's session cost upfront (taxes included) so you can check your budget first. You can also filter for therapists offering sliding scale rates and mention your student status and coverage limit when reaching out.

UBC Counselling Services 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). Simply call 604-822-3811 or visit Level 3 of the Gateway Building. 

Student Health Service offers virtual or in-person appointments with a physician or nurse practitioner for mental health diagnosis, treatment, and prescriptions. 

Peer support options include Kaleidoscope, the UBC Mental Health Awareness Club, the Student Recovery Community, and the Black Mental Wellness Collective. 

UBC offers brief individual and group counselling, though wait times can stretch several weeks, especially during midterms and finals. Private therapy offers longer-term counselling, greater flexibility over your schedule, and the ability to choose someone who specializes in your specific concern or approach. 

Yes. International students are covered under UBC's mandatory health insurance and the AMS/GSS plan.

Many therapists offer online sessions, which can make therapy easy to fit around classes or over breaks. First Session allows you to filter for online sessions. For insurance purposes, it doesn't matter whether the session is online or in person as long as the provider is covered.