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 $80 per visit for psychologist up to 700$ (combined with all professional services). 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
Peer Help Centre
Women’s Resource Centre
Pride Centre
Canadian Federation of Students
University of Ottawa mental health services
Local organizations for mental health services
- Crisis Line Ottawa 613-722-6914 or 1-866-996-0991
- CAMH – Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
- CMHA – Canadian Mental Health Association
- Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa
- Ottawa Mental Health Crisis Line (24h) 613-722-6914
- Ottawa Distress Centre (24h) 613-238-3311
- Assaulted Women’s Helpline (24h) 1-866-863-0511
- Sexual Assault Support Centre of Ottawa (24h) 613-234-2266
- YSB Crisis Line (24h) 613-260-2360
- CAS Ottawa – Child Protection Issues 613-747-7800
- Fem’aide – ligne de soutien 1-877-336-2433 (French only)
- Tel-aide Outaouais (8am-Midnight) 613-741-6433/ 819-775-3223 (French only)
- Kids’ Help Phone (24h) 1-800-668-6868
- Tel-Jeune (24h) 1-800-263-2266
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.
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