Therapists for University of Manitoba Students

Private therapy sessions in Winnipeg typically run $125–$240, depending on the therapist's credentials, experience, and specialty. UManitoba student plans cover 100%, up to $1,250 a year, within per-visit limits ($150 for a counsellor, $160 for a social worker, $240 for a psychologist). For example, on a $180 session with a social worker, the plan reimburses $160, so you'd pay $20 out of pocket, and the 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.

Yes, University of Manitoba student health plans cover therapy and counselling. Undergraduate students receive 100% coverage, up to a maximum of $1,250 per policy year, when seeing a licensed clinical psychologist, psychotherapist, counsellor, or practitioner with a Master’s degree in Social Work. Usual and customary fee limits apply: up to $150 per visit for a counsellor, $160 per visit for a social worker, and $240 per hour/visit for an initial assessment or subsequent session with a clinical psychologist. Graduate and postdoctoral students also receive 100% coverage per visit up to $1,250 per benefit year for licensed mental health practitioners, along with complimentary access to virtual mental health support through the Student Assistance Program provided by Dialogue.

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.

First Session doesn't offer direct billing, so you’ll pay for your session by debit or credit card and receive an itemized receipt from your therapist. After your appointment, you can submit the receipt through your insurance provider’s online portal or mobile app. You’ll typically need information such as the therapist’s name and credentials, the date and cost of the session, and your plan or member number. Your insurer will then review the claim, and you'll typically be reimbursed within 2-5 days for the eligible portion based on your coverage. 

The Student Counselling Centre (SCC) offers free, confidential counselling to students at the Fort Garry campus. You can book a One-At-A-Time Session (OAATS) up to a day in advance, in person or by phone or video, and the SCC also offers ongoing individual and couples counselling, workshops and groups, and the online RBC MOOD program for low to moderate symptoms of depression. Students at the Bannatyne campus can get counselling through Student Services at Bannatyne Campus. The Student Wellness Centre adds peer support from Healthy U peer health educators, drop-in hours, and wellness events. Note that you need to be in Manitoba to use SCC services.

Counselling at a campus clinic is usually free for registered students. Trained, licensed mental health professionals offer it, and it can be a great starting point. Because demand is high, support is usually short-term, often comes with longer wait times, and has reduced hours during school breaks. If you need ongoing care or have more complex needs, they will usually refer you off campus.

Private therapy gives you the flexibility to work long-term with a therapist you choose yourself based on their exact specialty (such as ADHD and neurodivergence, complex trauma, or eating disorders), modality (like EMDR, DBT, or somatic work), or shared lived experience and identity. While it costs money, student health plans often reimburse eligible fees, and many therapists offer sliding-scale rates. A major benefit is faster, direct access. First Session lets you view therapist profiles, watch introductory videos, and book without a lengthy intake process or waitlists.

Register with Student Accessibility Services (SAS) by submitting a Disability Assessment Form completed by a registered health professional, along with the Student Accessibility Consent Form. You'll then work with an accessibility coordinator to set up your accommodations. SAS takes new intakes year-round, though wait times can be a few weeks, so register early. SAS makes the final decisions on accommodations, not your health care provider.

For term work, contact your instructor. For short-term circumstances lasting 120 hours (five days) or less, you can usually submit a Self-Declaration for Brief and Temporary Absence instead of a medical note. If you miss a final exam, contact an academic advisor in your faculty and apply for a deferred exam within 48 hours. Your faculty may require documentation instead of a self-declaration, for example if you've deferred before. If your mental health condition is ongoing, Student Accessibility Services is the better route.

Most universities require a diagnosis from a medical doctor, psychiatrist, or registered psychologist to formally register for accommodations. A registered psychologist can diagnose mental health conditions and provide formal psycho-educational assessments, including those for learning disabilities and ADHD. Not all do, so be sure they mention these services on their profile. A therapist cannot write a medical note, but they can write a supportive letter saying you were experiencing symptoms that rendered you unable to write an exam or complete an assignment. Whether the registrar's office will accept it depends on their policies. Some only accept notes from medical doctors (MD) and nurse practitioners (NP). Importantly, practitioners often will not provide letters during an initial consultation, after just one session, or retroactively, because they cannot verify your past condition or baseline functioning without an established clinical relationship. Your school's accessibility services are a great contact if you need accommodations but don't know where to start.

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