Wellness Office

Did you know you can get support to access your learning if you are experiencing any distressing or extenuating circumstances in your life (such as death of a loved one or friend, an accident or injury, a break-up, etc)? You can also get academic supports if you are neurodiverse, have been diagnosed with a learning disability or psychiatric disorder that impacts your learning and ability to focus on your studies (such as dyslexia, ADHD, ASD, bipolar disorder, BPD, etc). The case manager will meet with you and review your situation and needs and support you with academic accommodations, withdrawals and deferred exams to improve your access to learning and academic success.

The Case Manager provides support for students to manage and grow through painful and difficult situations. Students may need help with concerns around mental health, coping with intense and difficult emotions, improving academics, and navigating losses/grief and all kinds of relationships. The case manager can also offer in-depth discussions about identity, sexuality, suicidality, self-harm, violence (including sexual violence) and more.

The Case Manager will learn about you and your needs and ask questions to create a personalized support plan with you with goals that you wish to achieve for your growth and well-being. A support plan may include problem-solving, crisis support, linking you with other resources and services, providing advocacy on your behalf. It may also just be about having a safe space to express yourself and learn about life. Case management also includes advocacy services to help you understand and stand up for your rights as an international student and human. The Case Manager can help you navigate the learning institution and the larger systems that can be full of inequities or barriers that hinder access to services or good quality services.

As an international student, you may be unfamiliar with the human service of counselling. You may even believe that your struggles are not serious enough to see a counsellor or you may believe that seeing a counsellor means there is something wrong with you. However, your struggles are a part of the human experience and it does not mean there is anything wrong with you. We all need some guidance and support in our lives and asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.

Counsellors are compassionate listeners who can offer new perspectives, ask questions, and guide conversations to help you gain insight into yourself, your relationships, and the world. Counselling is a unique relationship between you and your counsellor that allows you to explore your emotions, thoughts, behaviours, needs, values and life experiences in a safe, non-judgmental space. When you are actively participating in the counselling process, it can help you improve your mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health. Counsellors can help you develop your strengths and skills to encourage positive change, personal growth, improved relationships and also academic success.

Counselling hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday.

For your appointment or to make an appointment, please drop by the Reception on the sixth floor of the South Campus tower building at 345 – 6th Avenue.

You may also send us an email to book an appointment.

The following resources are from the Canadian Mental Health Association – Calgary:

Access Mental Health

Access Mental Health is a non-urgent service providing information, consultation, and referrals for individuals with addiction and/or mental health concerns. Mental health clinicians complete a clinical interview over the telephone to assess the individuals’ needs. Mental Health Clinicians are familiar with both Alberta Health Services and community-based programs and will explore all options in order to refer individuals to the most appropriate resources.
• Hours of Operations: Monday to Friday 8 am – 5 pm
• Phone: 403-943-1500

Access Addiction and Mental Health

A telephone line for clients in central, northern and southern Alberta, who will benefit from guidance in finding the most appropriate mental health, addictions and/or recovery services and resources.
• Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
• Phone: 1-888-594-0211

211 Alberta

A free, confidential, multilingual and available service that is provided 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Dialing 211 offers access to a network of community, social and government-based services. Calls are answered by professional information and referral specialists who are trained to assess caller needs and refer calls to the most appropriate resources.

811 Health Link Alberta

If you have a health concern, call Health Link by dialing 811 for quick and easy advice from a registered nurse. You will have 24/7 help in more than 200 languages. They will ask questions, assess symptoms and determine the best care for you.

Wellness Together Canada

Mental health and substance use for people in Canada. Always free and virtual 24/7

Drop-In Counselling

The following services offer walk-in counselling and support services:

Woods Homes Eastside Family Centre

Provides no-fee, walk-in counselling for youth and families for assistance with mental health needs.
• Hours of Operation (Online): The online chat is available 7 days a week from 9 am – 10 pm
• Address: 805 37 Street NW (for more locations, please visit the website)
• Text: 403-299-9699
• Phone: 403-270-1718

South Calgary Health Centre

no-fee, single session, walk-in counselling. This is an urgent care facility for non-life threatening health issues and mental health care.
• Hours of Operation: 8 am – 10 pm
• Address: 31 Sunpark Plaza SE
• Phone: 403-943-9300

Distress Centre Calgary

Free, short-term counselling services for individuals, couples and families. The Distress Centre has many highly trained volunteers and professional staff on hand for their 24/7 crisis line if you’re in need of a person to talk to privately.

• Hours of Operation (Online): The online chat is available Monday to Friday from 3 pm – 10 pm and Saturday to Sunday from 12 pm – 10 pm
• Address: Suite 500, 999 8th Street SW
• Phone: 403-266-HELP (4357)