Counselling for University of Victoria Students

Undergraduate students are automatically assessed for the  UVSS Health & Dental Plan if they're members of the University of Victoria Students' Society and are registered in at least 3 course units (including co-op). The plan includes two tiers: 1) enhanced (higher coverage with higher costs) and 2) basic (lower coverage at lower cost).  Graduate students are automatically assessed for the GSS Extended Health & Dental Plan if they're registered in at least 3 on-campus courses or in full-time Co-op. 

Check your tuition summary to ensure you're enrolled in the extended health & dental plans. 

Undergraduates using the Enhanced UVSS Health & Dental Plan are covered at 70% per therapy session, up to $800 per policy year. Those using the Basic UVSS Health & Dental Plan are covered at $30 per therapy session, up to $700 per policy year. Graduates using the GSS Extended Health & Dental plan are covered at 100% per therapy session, up to $500 per policy 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. 

The UVSS Health & Dental Plan for undergraduates covers psychologists, while the GSS Extended Health & Dental Plan for graduates covers "mental health specialists," which may include psychologists, social workers, and registered clinical counsellors. 

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 Victoria typically costs between $140 and $175 per session. First Session lists every therapist's session cost upfront (taxes included) so you can consider your budget first. You can also filter for therapists offering sliding scale rates if cost is a concern. If you have student insurance, you may also be able to use your coverage to offset some of the cost.

The University of Victoria’s Student Wellness Centre offers a range of resources to support student well-being. Students can book an appointment with a doctor or nurse practitioner who can assess and diagnose mental health concerns and prescribe medication when appropriate. They can also see a licensed counsellor for wellness consultations and counselling, or connect with a spiritual care provider for spiritual support. Additionally, students can access SupportConnect, which provides short-term, solution-focused counselling by phone or live chat, as well as weekly wellness programming through the Multifaith Centre. 

UVic counselling is free for students and is provided by licensed professionals or doctoral interns. However, the Student Wellness Centre notes that its capacity to offer frequent sessions is limited, so students can generally expect to wait 4–6 weeks between appointments.

Private therapy often has shorter wait times and more flexibility in how frequently you meet. You also have more choice in who you see and can look for someone with a particular identity or lived experience, specialization, or therapeutic approach. While private therapy is not free, some therapists offer sliding-scale rates, and your student insurance may cover part of the cost.

If you’re a UVic student, you can access free counselling through the Student Wellness Centre with a licensed counsellor or doctoral intern. You can also access 24/7 short-term counselling through SupportConnect.

If you’re looking for support outside of campus, you can reach out to Citizens’ Counselling Centre or Family Services of Greater Victoria for counselling with sliding-scale fees.

If you’re 12–24, you can also connect with Foundry Victoria for free and confidential counselling, peer support, and other health and social services.

If you’re not sure where to start, you can call or text 211 BC. They can help connect you with appropriate community resources based on your needs.

Yes, UVic 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 policy before booking. Many therapists on First Session offer online sessions, which can make it easier to fit therapy around a busy student schedule. 

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