Therapists for University of Calgary Students

Yes. Undergraduates on the Students' Union (SU) Health and Dental Plan are covered at 80%, up to $20 per visit and $300 per benefit year, for psychologists, Registered Social Workers, Registered Psychotherapists, Registered Clinical Counsellors, Canadian Certified Counsellors, and more. You'll need a doctor's referral to be reimbursed. Graduate students on the GSA Health and Dental Plan are covered at 100%, up to $500 per year, with no referral needed, for licensed psychologists, Registered Social Workers/MSWs, licensed professional counsellors, licensed counselling therapists, and psychotherapists.

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 Calgary typically run $160–$235, depending on the therapist's credentials, experience, and specialty. 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.

The University of Calgary offers several mental health resources for students. Through Counselling Services, students can access free counselling, including a one-time appointment and, when appropriate, brief ongoing counselling with referrals to other supports for longer-term or specialized care.

Student Support Advising helps students navigate university and community resources, set goals, and build healthy habits. Advisors may also provide support tailored to specific needs, including harm reduction, Indigenous student support, and international student support.

Students can also access Peer Support, where they can drop in and talk with trained student volunteers in a supportive, informal setting.

UCalgary 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 one-time counselling appointments and referrals to the right support.

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 Student Accessibility Services (SAS) by completing the online intake form and submitting your documentation. For a mental health condition, you'll need a letter from your psychologist or psychiatrist, or have them complete the SAS Verification Form. Don't have documentation yet? You can still submit the intake form, and SAS will contact you about next steps. You'll then meet with an Access Advisor to set up your accommodations.

For missed term work, contact your instructor as soon as possible. If you miss a Registrar-scheduled final exam because of a debilitating illness, apply for a deferred final exam in your Student Centre (Exams and Grades) within two business days. Requests for illness can only be submitted on or after the exam day. Documentation is required, but you can complete the Student Declaration of Absence form inside the application if you don't have a medical note. Deferred exams can't be rescheduled again, so plan to be available.

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