Therapists for University of Guelph Students

Undergraduate Students: Automatically enrolled in the mandatory universal health and dental plans via the Central Student Association (CSA), with a one-time option to opt out of the dental portion if you have comparable coverage.

Full-Time Graduate Students: Automatically enrolled in mandatory universal coverage through the Graduate Students' Association (GSA), with part-time graduate students excluded. 

Undergraduate and graduate students using the CSA/GSA health and dental plans are covered at 80% per session with a licensed mental health practitioner, up to $750 per benefit year.

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

Undergraduate and graduate students using the CSA/GSA health and dental plans are covered for Registered Psychotherapists, Registered Social Workers, Psychologists, Canadian Certified Counsellors, Registered Clinical Counsellors, Certified Clinical Counsellors, Mental Health Therapists, Marriage and Family Therapists, Psychoanalysts, and Sexologists.

Tip: If you’re unsure whether a specific therapist is covered, ask them during a free consultation. They can usually confirm whether their professional designation is eligible under your student insurance plan and explain how reimbursement works. 

Private therapy in Guelph typically costs between $130 and $200 per 50-minute session. University of Guelph students can reduce their out-of-pocket costs by using their student health and dental plan to help cover eligible therapy sessions. First Session lists each therapist's session fee upfront, including taxes, so you can check your budget before booking. You can also filter for therapists who offer sliding scale rates, which reduce the cost of therapy based on a client's financial circumstances.

The University of Guelph offers various resources to support student well-being. If you’re seeking on-campus mental health support for the first time, Student Wellness Navigators can help you find the right services and resources. Counselling Services offers individual and same-day counselling, as well as group therapy. Students can also talk with a peer supporter through the Student Support Network. Student Experience Advisors can also connect students with resources tailored to their needs and identities, including support for Black and racialized students, Faith & Spirituality, First Nations, Inuit & Métis students, international students, LGBTQ2IA+ students, and students living off campus.

University of Guelph Counselling 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. 

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.

Yes, University of Guelph students can access online therapy. For insurance reimbursement, it usually doesn’t matter whether the session is online or in person, as long as the provider is covered. Still, check your specific plan to confirm. Many therapists on First Session offer online sessions, with added evening and weekend availability, which can make it easier to fit therapy around a busy student schedule. 

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. 

Whether you see a therapist on campus or off campus, therapy is confidential. Your therapist cannot share what you discuss with anyone else, including your parents, professors, or employers, without your consent, except in certain circumstances, such as a serious and immediate safety concern or when disclosure is required by law. Your therapist can explain the specific limits of confidentiality before you begin.

If you choose private therapy, one thing to keep in mind is your health insurance. If you use a plan where someone else is the policyholder, such as a parent's insurance plan, the policyholder may receive information about claims depending on the insurer and plan. If you're using your own student insurance plan, this generally isn't an issue.

No. First Session is an independent company and is not affiliated with the University of Guelph. We created this page specifically to support University of Guelph 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.