Counselling Coverage for Students

Support during your Academic Journey

University life is an exciting journey, but it can also feel overwhelming. Balancing academic pressures, social life, and personal independence can take a toll. That's where counselling can help—offering a safe, private space to work through these challenges and prioritize your mental health.

One of the biggest benefits of counselling is emotional support. Research shows that nearly 60% of university students feel overwhelmed with the pressures of college life. Whether you're stressed about exams, struggling with relationships, or feeling homesick, talking to a counsellor can reduce anxiety and help you feel less isolated.

Counselling also teaches you practical coping strategies. Studies suggest that students who engage in therapy develop better time management and stress-reduction techniques, improving their academic performance. Through counselling, you can learn how to manage your responsibilities more effectively, handle stress, and solve problems in healthier ways.

In addition, counselling can help you gain greater self-awareness. University is a period of personal growth, and it's common to feel uncertain about your future or your identity. Research supports that therapy can help individuals understand their emotions and behaviour patterns better, boosting self-confidence and decision-making.

By seeking counselling, you're not just addressing immediate concerns—you're investing in your long-term success. Research proves that students who engage in counselling tend to have higher well-being and academic outcomes. Prioritizing your mental health now can help you thrive throughout your university experience and beyond.

Have you Looked into your Student Benefits Lately?

University can be expensive, and for students in Kitchener-Waterloo and surrounding areas, psychotherapy services might seem unaffordable. However, many local universities, such as the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University, offer health benefit plans that include affordable counselling services. These student health plans provide access to mental health support, making therapy and other essential health services accessible for students in the Kitchener-Waterloo area and Wellington County.

University Benefit Plans

  • Coverage for Wilfred Laurier students is 80% of counselling costs, up to $1000 annually. The mental health professionals covered under this plan include psychologists, and social workers.

    Good to Know:

    • Additional information about you benefits Plans for students can be accessed here

  • Coverage for University of Waterloo students is 80% of counselling costs, up to $800 annually. The mental health professionals covered under this plan include psychotherapists, clinical counselors, psychologists, and social workers.

    Good to Know

    • You can have more information about your StudentCare benefits here

  • Coverage for Conestoga College students is 70% of counselling costs, up to $300 annually. The mental health professionals covered under this plan include psychologists, and social workers.

    Good to Know:

  • Coverage for Guelph University students is 80% of counselling costs, up to $800 annually. The mental health professionals covered under this plan include psychotherapists, clinical counsellors, psychologists, and social workers.

    Good to Know:

    • Please contact the Central Student Association (CSA) for more details

    • Coverage Period: September 1 to August 31 (remains active even if not enrolled in summer courses)

    • Both undergraduate and graduate students can add family members to their plans for an extra fee.

      Coverage details are available through the University of Guelph's health plan website