Mental Health

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Graduate Student Mental Health

The GSAÉD is united with 12 other graduate student unions in Ontario through the Canadian Federation of Students-Ontario. Together, our Federation engaged in a two-year research project to identify and document the experiences of Ontario graduate students that negatively affect their mental health. Through the Not in the Syllabus survey, just over 2,000 graduate students from across the province were asked about their experiences with bullying and harassment on their respective campuses along with the resulting impacts on their mental health. This factsheet outlines some of the provincial survey results and highlights the experiences of graduate students at the University of Ottawa.

Supporting Graduate Student Mental Health at the University of Ottawa

Mental Health Resources

GSAED Health Plan

Allows students to get a reimbursement of $35 per visit to a Psychologist, limited to a benefit maximum of $400 The Psychologist has to be registered and recognized by Green Shield (GSAÉD’s health care provider – this provision can be found on page 8 of the uOttawa GSAÉD benefit booklet).The Student Support Program is an additional, complimentary benefit for all covered graduate students. The program provides access to Short-term Professional Counselling for personal and emotional issues. Students can choose from a variety of delivery methods to best suit your comfort level and lifestyle including in-person (off campus), telephonic, e-counselling, instant video, text-based self-paced online chat with a counselor. The program is completely confidential within the limits of the law. No one will ever know that a student has used the service unless they choose to tell them.

If a student is currently seeing an onsite counsellor through the University, they may continue to see that counsellor as this service will continue to be a part of the overall services provided by the University to students. Students can call 1.855.649.8641 or visit workhealthlife.com and sign up using the Organization name “GSAED” for full access to the SSP services and resources.

Student Support Program

We are pleased to announce that the GSAÉD is introducing a new service to graduate students with health & dental coverage through Green Shield Canada effective October 1st 2015; the Student Support Program (SSP). The SSP is an additional, complimentary benefit for all covered graduate students. The SSP is completely confidential within the limits of the law. No one will ever know that a student has used the service unless they choose to tell them. The program provides access to Short-term Professional Counselling for personal and emotional issues. Students can choose from a variety of delivery methods to best suit your comfort level and lifestyle including In-Person (off campus), Telephonic, E-Counselling, First Chat (instant online chat with a counsellor), Video, Text-based self-paced. If a student is currently seeing an onsite counsellor through the University, they may continue to see that counsellor as this service will continue to be a part of the overall services provided by the University to students.

Students can call 1.855.649.8641 or visit the SSP Website and sign up using the Organization name “GSAED” for full access to the SSP services and resources.

SASS Counselling

There are several services available to uOttawa students via SASS Counselling, such as peer counselling, personal counselling, pet therapy, coaching and various workshops. Workshops include: Skills for better Coping with Anxiety; Speak Up! Skills for better expressing your feelings related to anxiety; Exam Anxiety; and Self-Esteem, which deals with imposter syndrome and low self-esteem. Coaching is a confidential service for students who are functioning relatively normally but who strive to achieve optimal performance. The aim of coaching is to help students clarify their goals and identify action steps necessary to achieve these goals. Peer Counselling is staffed by students at uOttawa whom have been trained to listen and provide informal emotional support to assist you in achieving your goals. Personal Counselling is with a member of the uOttawa Counseling and Coaching Service.

Good to Talk Service

Provided by the Government of Ontario, Good to Talk is a free, confidential and anonymous service. Professional counsellors are available 24hrs a day, 365 days a year to provide telephone counselling and referrals regarding mental health, addictions and well-being for post-secondary students. 1-866-925-5454.

Centre for Students with Disabilities

Staff and some of their volunteers are trained in active listening, and staff is trained in suicide alertness (Safe Talk) and Suicide Prevention (ASIST). Within their office hours, staff members of the Centre are available to listen if you need support, and to provide resources to you for more long-term support.

Peer Help Centre

This Centre has several services for uOttawa students. The Peer Support Help Line provides help and information to students facing everything from homesickness and academic stress to a wide variety of personal circumstances such as abuse, sexual identity confusion, family dynamics, and crisis situations. Referrals to other relevant services also will be made if so desired. The phone line is staffed by certified volunteers with extensive training from the Distress Centre of Ottawa and Region in active listening, call management, crisis intervention, suicide intervention, and limits and boundaries. This Centre also offers Active Listening/Peer Support Chat. This service is not designed to take the place of professional counseling, but simply offers students the opportunity to address their problems with an empathetic peer.

Women’s Resource Centre

Offers peer-to-peer support within an anti-oppression and feminist framework.

Pride Centre

Offers a confidential one-on-one active listening service to community members in need of a sympathetic ear.  Their staff members have been trained in Active Listening, and they offer non-judgmental support to help you address any aspect of your sexual orientation, love life, identity, and/or gender. If you would like to come in and talk, you can book in advance via e-mail, phone, or come by our office. Confidential private chats can be requested.

Canadian Federation of Students

Maintains a student wellness website

University of Ottawa mental health services

Offer comprehensive bilingual assessments, diagnosis, and treatment for mood disorders, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, attention deficit disorder, and many other conditions; as well as support through life changes. Treatment is individualized and may include counselling, psychotherapy, and medication. Counselling sessions are usually restricted to 6-8 sessions. **  Please note that only those enrolled in the UOHS Family Health Team (FHT) are eligible for counselling services.  All patients are eligible be referred to a psychiatrist where appropriate.  There is no fee for uOttawa mental health services.

Local organizations for mental health services

With regard to academic support, we have the Student Academic Success Service (career development, writing help, aboriginal resource centre, student mentoring ), the Graduate Student Mentoring Service, and some faculties have their own mentoring service as well in regards to academics.