Information About The Counselling Centre

Information About The Counselling Centre for Staff & Faculty

Counselling is Not Discipline

Some well meaning faculty and staff refer students to The Counselling Centre telling them they must attend sessions to address their concerns. While the student may indeed have issues to address, our services can be strongly suggested and recommended but not mandated. Until students acknowledge their difficulties, they may not change and may not seek help.

With Respect to Confidentiality

If you refer a student to The Counselling Centre and they follow through, staff cannot disclose if the student booked an appointment, attended a session or the nature of what was discussed during any appointments. Only in exceptional circumstances will confidentiality be broken (i.e. risk of harm to self or others) or if a student has signed a Release of Information Form. Clinical Therapists/Psychologists will, under exceptional cercumstances, write a letter advocating for academic leniency for clients who are dealing with complex personal issues (i.e. grief, sexual assault etc.). However, the faculty member ultimately decides if leniency will be granted. Counselling staff do not write notes for adjustment or transitional issues (i.e. break-up, first year adjustment etc.).

Consultations

If you are concerned about a student, you are encouraged to give them The Counselling Centre's phone number and email address to have them contact us. Appointments are offered by phone, in person or virtual. 
  Phone: 902-420-5615 
  E-mail: counselling@smu.ca
 

24/7 Coverage

Students may also call Good2Talk for 24/7 for counselling. 1-833-292-3698

Wellness Together Canada offers help in the following six areas:

  • Coping with Covid-19
  • Managing low mood
  • Managing worry
  • Coping with stress
  • Strengthening relationships
  • Managing substance abuse

For those in distress, needing immediate support, please use the following contacts for your specific group:

Adults: Text WELLNESS  to 741741

Youth: Text WELLNESS to 686868

Indigenous Peoples: Can also reach out to HOPE FOR WELLNESS at 1-855-242-3310

counselling@smu.ca

The Counselling Centre at Saint Mary's University
4th Floor Student Centre, SC406
923 Robie Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3H 3C3

Phone: 902-420-5615

Social media