Residence Counselling and Student Support team

We all have times when talking to someone can be helpful. Seeking support through the Residence Counselling and Student Support team is a great way to get started.

Our office provides professional and confidential mental health and counselling services, free of charge to students living in a Main Campus residence.  

Our goal is to help you find solutions that build upon your own strengths and resilience, so you can make changes and thrive. Some of the work we do includes but is not limited to: transition to university, anxiety, depression, academic/personal stress, grief, loss and relationship problems. These efforts are complemented by a case management approach, which means that as a student, you receive coordinated support from a variety of residence and campus services. We work together in support of the best possible care plan. 

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Booking a Residence Counselling Appointment

How do I book an appointment?

To book an appointment with Residence Counselling email needtotalk@uwo.ca. Please be sure to provide your name, residence building, and if you feel comfortable, a brief description of what you wish to discuss with us, e.g., stress, lack of motivation, homesickness, loneliness, relationship problems.

What if I'm in crisis or need to talk with someone when Residence Counselling is not available?

If you require crisis assistance for an urgent situation outside of our regular operating hours, please contact:

If you are not in crisis but are experiencing distress and would like to speak with someone in the moment, please contact the CMHA Support Line at 1-844-360-8055. 

When can I expect to hear back after I request an appointment?

Emails are responded to within 24 hours. Emails received late Friday or during the weekend are responded to on Monday morning. Emails received during university closures are responded to on the first returning business day.

How long will I have to wait for an appointment?

The demand for appointments fluctuates throughout the academic year. When scheduling your first appointment with us, you will be offered our first available date and time. You are encouraged to accept the appointment offered and if an earlier appointment becomes available, we will contact you. You have the option to keep your current appointment.

Your Residence Counselling Session

What can I expect at my first counselling session?

Your first appointment includes completion of an intake form. Through this process and continued counselling your counsellor will:

  • Listen and learn about what is concerning to you 
  • Provide you with some perspective and skills to begin to help 
  • Offer recommendations for next steps 
How long does an appointment last?

Counselling sessions are 50 minutes in length—sometimes your first session will last a little longer.

How many counselling sessions will I need?

Counselling is a collaborative process that involves reflection, exploring insights and implementing choices. Every situation is unique. Some students may access one appointment, while others may access short-term counselling for several sessions.

What happens if I am late for an appointment?

If you arrive 10 or more minutes late for your scheduled appointment, it will be cancelled and rescheduled. This is done to ensure that your counsellor has an appropriate amount of time to make your appointment as helpful as possible.

What is cancellation policy?

If you are unable to attend your scheduled appointment, we require 24 hours cancellation notice in order to make this appointment time available to other students waiting to be seen.

How do you respect diversity?

We provide a safe, supportive and welcoming space for students of all ages, gender identities, sexualities, races, ethnicities, languages, cultures, religions, abilities, and socio-economic classes. Our counsellors are culturally sensitive, demonstrate equality, and ensure inclusion of all students.

How do you respect confidentiality?

We are bound by confidentiality and will not release your personal health information without your consent, except to protect you or others from immediate harm, when ordered by a court to do so, or when required by law. Confidentiality and its limits will be reviewed with you at your intake appointment and any questions or concerns you may have can be addressed then.