Counsellors for University of Victoria Students

Yes. Undergraduates registered in at least 3 course units are automatically assessed for the UVSS Health & Dental Plan, which covers psychologists at 70% per session, up to $800 a year (Enhanced), or $30 per session, up to $700 a year (Basic). Graduate students registered in at least 3 on-campus courses or full-time co-op are assessed for the GSS Extended Health & Dental Plan, which covers "mental health specialists" (which may include psychologists, social workers, and registered clinical counsellors) at 100%, up to $500 a year. Check your tuition summary to confirm you're enrolled.

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 Victoria typically run $140–$175, depending on the therapist's credentials, experience, and specialty. The UVSS Enhanced plan covers psychologists at 70%, up to $800 a year, so on a $155 session, the plan reimburses about $109, and you'd pay about $46 out of pocket. The GSS plan for graduate students covers 100%, up to $500, so you'd pay nothing for your first three 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 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 get free counselling and wellness consultations from a licensed counsellor, 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.

Counselling at the UVic Student Wellness Centre 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, and you can also see a doctor or nurse practitioner there for assessment and medication.

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.

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.

Register with UVic's Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL) by completing the confidential online pre-intake form and including medical documentation of your diagnosis. For a mental health condition, documentation should come from a clinical psychologist, psychiatrist, or physician with expertise in that area. CAL will then contact you to set up an appointment and build your accommodation plan.

UVic offers several options for an academic concession. If you can finish the work before final grades are submitted, email your instructor to request an in-course extension or to reschedule a test. If you can't, including for a missed final exam, request a Deferral (DEF) by completing the Undergraduate Request for Deferral form and emailing it to [email protected]. If you can't finish the course at all, you can request a Withdrawal under Extenuating Circumstances (WE) or an Aegrotat (AEG), both of which require supporting documentation.

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.