Therapists for University of Guelph Students

Yes. Undergraduates and full-time graduate students are automatically enrolled in the CSA/GSA health and dental plans, which cover 80% per session, up to $750 per benefit year, with 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. Part-time graduate students aren't covered.

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 Guelph typically run $130–$200, depending on the therapist's credentials, experience, and specialty. The CSA/GSA plan covers 80%, up to $750 a year. For example, on a $165 session, the plan reimburses $132, so you'd pay $33 out of pocket, and the maximum covers about five 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.

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 free 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 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 same-day counselling and group therapy.

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.

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.

Register with Student Accessibility Services (SAS) by following the first-time registration steps in the SAS Student Portal and submitting documentation from your health care professional, such as SAS's mental health documentation form or an OSAP Disability Verification Form. You'll then meet with an SAS Advisor to set up your accommodations. If you think you have a mental health condition but haven't been assessed, SAS recommends seeing a health care professional first. Questions about documentation can go to [email protected].

During the semester, contact your instructor right away. Short illnesses that cause you to miss a deadline can often be resolved between you and your instructor, sometimes without documentation. If you miss a final exam or final assignment, submit a Request for Academic Consideration form to your Program Counsellor, with a personal letter and supporting documentation, within five days. If approved, you'll write a deferred exam the following semester. If you're registered with SAS, you can add documentation from your SAS Advisor.

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.