Therapists for University of Waterloo Students

Yes. Undergraduate and graduate students (except those in fully online graduate programs) are automatically enrolled in the WUSA or GSA health & dental plan. Both cover licensed psychologists, clinical counsellors, psychotherapists, and Master of Social Work practitioners at 80% per visit, up to $800 per policy year (September 1–August 31 for students starting in the fall).

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 Waterloo typically run $150–$220, depending on the therapist's credentials, experience, and specialty. For a $185 session, the WUSA and GSA plans reimburse $148, so you'd only pay $37 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.

Counselling Services offers free single-session, brief, and crisis counselling in person or by video. Call 519-888-4096 or email [email protected] to book an appointment. There's also MATES, a peer support program pairing students with trained upper-year students for academic, social, and lower-level mental health concerns, and Be You Wellness Programs. 

UWaterloo Campus Wellness 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 single-session and crisis counselling available in person or by video.

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.

Register with AccessAbility Services. For a mental health condition, ask your health care provider to complete the Mental Health Disability Verification Form, which describes how your condition affects your studies. Once your documentation is in, you'll meet with an advisor to create an individualized accommodation plan. If getting documentation is a barrier, AccessAbility Services has guidance on its forms page.

Contact your instructor before or within 24 hours of the missed test, exam, or deadline. Then get a Verification of Condition (VOC) Form completed within 48 hours. Campus Wellness can complete it and submit it to the Absence Database for you (a fee may apply), or you can have an off-campus practitioner complete it and upload it yourself. Your instructors are notified automatically, but they make the final decision on accommodations. If a final exam is postponed, you'll typically write it the next time the course is offered.

No. First Session is an independent company, founded in Toronto in 2019, and is not affiliated with the University of Waterloo. We created this page specifically to support University of Waterloo students and have researched all the information here. However, if you're unsure, we encourage you to double-check details with your school. The therapists listed on First Session are carefully vetted licensed professionals, and their sessions may be eligible for reimbursement through your student health insurance.