Mental Health Resources
The UOSU is working with uOttawa and all levels of government to ensure that there is support available for as many students as possible. We’ve got your back.
What are the mental health resources available for me?
In case of an emergency:
- On-campus emergency, please call Protection Services at 613-562-5411
- Off-campus emergency, please dial 9-1-1
Helplines and Crisis Lines
A crisis can include difficulty dealing with stress, overwhelming feelings, symptoms of depression, anxiety or psychosis, suicidal thoughts, or any concerns regarding your mental health or that of your loved ones.
Within Ottawa 24/7 Crisis Line: 613-722-6914
Outside of Ottawa 24/7 Crisis Line: 1-866-996-0991
24/7 (bilingual). Text HOME to 686868 from anywhere in Canada
(For French, text PARLER to the same number).
Good2Talk is a free 24/7, confidential helpline providing professional counselling, information and referrals for mental health, addictions and well-being to post-secondary students in Ontario.
24/7 Helpline : 1-866-925-5454
Crisis Text Line : GOOD2TALKON (or ALLOJECOUTEON in French) to 686868
Distress Centre of Ottawa and Region
(English Only)
Distress Centre of Ottawa and Region contributes to a healthier and safer community by providing suicide prevention, crisis intervention, psychological stabilization, emotional support, information, referral and education services, without judgement, to individuals in need.
24/7 Distress Line: 613-238-3311
24/7 Crisis Line: 613-722-6914 or 1-866-996-0991
Tel-Aide Outaouais (French Only)
Ils offrent un service d’écoute téléphonique en français aux personnes qui ont besoin d’une oreille, qui nécessitent du soutien ou de références. Les bénévoles de Tel-Aide, qu’ils appellent les écoutants, offrent une écoute attentive, chaleureuse et empathique.
Website: telaideoutaouais.ca
24/7 Gatineau Helpline : 819-775-3223
24/7 Ottawa Helpline : 613-741-6433
24/7 Outside Outaouais Helpline : 1-800-567-9699
Available Virtual Counselling Services
Counselling is a confidential service for students who are dealing with temporary life difficulties. The aim of counselling is to facilitate a timely return to normal functioning. You can book your single session in advance and meet with a counsellor either by phone or videoconference.
Email : couns@uottawa.ca
Tel : 613-562-5200
Students subscribing to the University of Ottawa Student Union Student (UOSU) Health Plan automatically have access to Empower Me, a mental health and wellness service that seeks to contribute to a resilient student community. Empower Me allows students to connect for free with qualified counsellors, consultants, and life coaches for a variety of issues. The sessions can be delivered by telephone, by video-counselling, or by e-counselling, and the service is available 365/7/24.
Tel : 1-833-851-1361
24/7 Helpline : 1-844-741-6389
The Walk-In Counselling Clinic
The Walk-In Counselling Clinic provides immediate professional counselling services to individuals, couples, and families for free. They are now offering their services by phone or video-counselling.
Contact : Based on locations on their website.
Self-Help Resources
TAO (Therapy Assistance Online)
TAO (Therapy Assistance Online) is an online platform of tools and interactive modules that can help you manage the many stressors that come with university life and can help you bounce back from challenging times. This service is available for free to anyone with a uOttawa email account, whether you’re a student or not.
- Programs available: Calming Your Worry, Let Go and Be Well, Interpersonal, Relationships and Communication, Leave Your Blues Behind, and Improving your Mood.
You can anonymously complete a self-screening assessment that will ask you a few questions about common problems and then provide you with some feedback for the next steps you can take.
Ontario residents, Call TeleHealth at 1-866-797-0000 to speak directly to a nurse.
Quebec residents, Call Info-Santé by dialling 8-1-1 to speak directly to a nurse.
Students subscribing to the University of Ottawa Student Union Student (UOSU) Health Plan automatically have access to Empower Me, a mental health and wellness service that seeks to contribute to a resilient student community. Empower Me allows students to connect for free with qualified counsellors, consultants, and life coaches for a variety of issues. The sessions can be delivered by telephone, by video-counselling, or by e-counselling, and the service is available 365/7/24.
Tel : 1-833-851-1361
24/7 Helpline : 1-844-741-6389
The Walk-In Counselling Clinic
The Walk-In Counselling Clinic provides immediate professional counselling services to individuals, couples, and families for free. They are now offering their services by phone or video-counselling.
Contact : Based on locations on their website.
www.seuo-uosu.com/counselling-resources/
MaListeMaSanté.ca (list of francophone mental health resources in Ottawa)
Here is a list of resources for people living in abusive or dangerous situations
Academic Support Services
Academic Writing Help Centre (AWHC)
The goal of the Academic Writing Help Centre is to help students develop strategies and writing skills that will enable them to understand the requirements of academic writing, develop their argumentation skills, expand their critical thinking abilities, and master the written language of their choice. Services include online resources, a resource library, and individual writing appointments. They are now offering all their services online.
Email : asupp@uottawa.ca
Tel : 613-562-5601
AWHC Writing Tools and Resources (Self-Help)
They have various documents, tools and instructions for academic integrity, writing process, structure of paper, types of paper and grammar.
Student Mentorship
Different Mentoring Centres offered by each faculty.
Different mentoring services include; the French Immersion Studies, the International Office, the Regional Mentoring Centre, the Residence Study Group Program, the Career Development Centre, the SASS – Academic Accommodations, Learning Technology, the Sports Services, the Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute (OLBI), and the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP).
Study Skills Hub (Self-Help)
A series of instructional articles on line, so you can develop your skills whenever and wherever you find most convenient. Articles include; how to concentrate, prepare for exams, take notes, conquer your stress, get motivated, memorize, work together and manage your time.
Learning & Technology Mentoring Centre
They are student mentors who focus on students’ academic success, who can teach them assistive technologies and learning strategies that work with their learning style. All students, University of Ottawa employees and community members are welcome. They offer workshops and online appointments for training in technologies to improve students’ study skills and to help them with their learning process.
Email : techmentors@uottawa.ca
Tel : 613-562-5800 ext. 4785