Mental Health & Wellbeing

The Mental Health & Wellbeing department at Nipissing University offers a wide range of support services to help you navigate life’s challenges while in university. Our interdisciplinary team is committed to provide personalized self-directed care. We cater to students from all backgrounds, dedicated to helping you achieve a grounded and successful university experience. 

We offer multiple Pathways to Care so students can receive support that is personalized to their needs, preferences, and ability to engage.  

Our team includes Registered Psychotherapists (RP), Registered Social Workers (RSW), Student Intervention Specialist, Dibaadan Wellness Coordinator, and Peer Support team that will work with students to create a personalized plan based on their unique goals. 

We strive to provide a non-judgemental and supportive atmosphere to explore concerns about thoughts, feelings, behaviours, and relationships and needs. Sometimes this process can be challenging, and our team will be there to help support students through this process. 

By clicking on the ‘Book an Appointment with Us link on the Mental Health & Wellbeing webpage (nipissingu.ca/mhwellbeing) and completing the associated registration and consent webforms, you begin the process of scheduling an appointment.  Students may also email mhwellbeing@nipissingu.ca all 705-474-3450 ext. 4507 or visit B210 to book an appointment.  Students will be connected with a team member to discuss their goals and establish a personalized plan. 

Therapy Drop in: Students can drop by B210 to register for one of the possible available daily drop-in appointments to discuss ‘What’s Important Today’ with a counsellor 

Mino bimaadziwin Drop-In: Dibadaan drop-in is available on a weekly basis and no appointment is necessary.  Indigenous and non- Indigenous students can meet with the Dibaadan Wellness Coordinator for wholistic wellness support.  Click here to see Dibaadan Support | Nipissing University for details. 

Peer Support:Peer Support Drop-In:  Offered 4 days a week, Monday – Thursday, 12:30pm-3:30pm.  Students can complete a quick sign-up with a Peer Supporter the first time they stop by the Drop-In or have their first one-to-one meeting. Please see details at: Peer Support | Nipissing University 

We start by reviewing any questions you may have and reviewing the Consent to Participate Form so that you feel clear and comfortable sharing with us what you want to. This appointment's main purpose is to be the most helpful in what you want to prioritize.  We’ll explore goals with you and create a personalized plan.   

In the Peer Support Program, you can expect to sign a participation agreement form and meet with other students who have lived experience with mental health concerns.  You can participate and share as much or as little as you are comfortable with.

In short, yes, all Mental Health & Wellbeing sessions provided are confidential. When we first meet, you will review and sign a Consent to Participate Form that outlines all the details of our confidentiality policies and limits of confidentiality. You are welcome to ask any questions and/or concerns prior to signing or sharing additional information with us. 

We have a multi-disciplinary team. This means there are many different types of professionals including Registered Psychotherapists (RP), Registered Social Workers (RSW), Dibaadan Wellness Coordinator, and Peer Support team that each bring specialized expertise to supporting students.  For more information about the team, please visit the meet the staff section of the website: https://www.nipissingu.ca/departments/student-development-and-services/counselling-services/meet-staff 

Yes.  Telus CHR is Nipissing University’s exclusive video support platform.  For the best experience, we encourage students to download the app called CHR Connect.  More information is available here about how to get the app: Setting up TELUS CHR Connect. 

Alternatively, you may schedule an appointment by clicking on the ‘Book an Appointment with Us’ link on the Mental Health & Wellbeing webpage and completing the associated registration and consent forms. While engaging in an online appointment, the expectation is to see you during your appointment. Please ensure your video remains on. We require a private space with minimal distractions. If you have any concerns, please let us know prior to your appointment.  Note that virtual Counselling appointments with Telus are only available for students living in Ontario.  For distance or international students living outside of Ontario who require support, please refer to these available services: Distance & International Students | Nipissing University 

For best results, use the Chrome internet browser when using Telus for video appointments.  Any appointment or other notifications from Telus relating to your consultations with MHW will be sent to the email address that you used when you first signed up with Telus.  Please reach out to the front desk at MHW or the care provider you are booked with to help navigate any other technical difficulties. 

Please make every effort to call or email us as soon as possible and we can reschedule your appointment and/or allow other students the opportunity to use the vacant time slot.  If you are going to be late, please note that your appointment will end at its original time. Team members will sign out of Telus after 20 minutes of the appointment if you are not in attendance.  

Your well-being is important to us. If you need to change or cancel an appointment, please notify us at least 24 hours in advance. If unexpected circumstances arise, we'll do our best to accommodate and reschedule. For specific details on cancelling or rescheduling other services like Dibaadan and Peer Support, please contact our coordinators. 

When you have completed your services, we will work with you to discuss a follow-up plan to maintain your progress and to meet any additional goals. Often it is helpful to take some time to practice new skills and what you have learned. If you need support in the future, you are always welcome to connect with us again and engage in the Pathways to Care that best meet your needs.  

If you have concerns about your work with a service provider, or the service you received, our hope is that you would talk with them directly and give them an opportunity to understand and attempt to resolve your concerns and provide you with the best experience possible. If you feel unable to talk with your service provider directly, please email Mental Health & Wellbeing at mhwellbeing@nipissingu.ca.  

If you are experiencing distress and require extra support, reach out to us during office hours (Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM). We will connect you with a member of our team to support you. Kindly remember, we are not a crisis service as we are not available 24/7. If it is urgent and outside our hours, visit www.nipissingu.ca/needhelpnow or call Good2Talk at 1-866-925-5454. In immediate danger, call 911 or 988 for suicide-related concerns.