Counselling and social work support

Staffed by a team of highly trained and qualified professionals who are experts in fields such as:

• well-being
• family matters
• relationships
• debt management
• employment issues
• and much more.

Short-term, solution-focused counselling

Mount Allison operates a short-term, solution-focused counselling model. A solution-focused model suggests that a client has the skills to work through a situation but requires some guidance and support in putting these skills to work. A counsellor works with the client on goal setting and practical solutions for the issue at hand (www.montrealtherapy.com).  

With this model, a client will first meet with a counsellor for an initial consultation. During this initial consultation, the student and counsellor will discuss if a student’s needs can be met within this model and, if so, create a treatment plan together. Typically, this treatment plan will allow for a client to meet with a counsellor for up to 4 full sessions (about once every 3 weeks). After a maximum of 4 sessions, a client should be equipped with the skills and tools needed to work through the presenting issue. 

Students who have a presenting concern that does not fit within this model or where appropriate treatment within the time constraints of a school year are not feasible will be referred to other services on or off campus. Students may also discuss appropriate resources, both on and off campus, with the Mount Allison social worker (see below). 

Counselling services offered through the Wellness Centre 

Counsellors provide an open, supportive environment where students can  share their concerns confidentially.  

Counsellors can support students with concerns that fit our solution-focused model. This may include support with stress, anxiety, mood, loss and grief, self-harm, relationships, adjustment, university pressures, loneliness, and self-care. Counsellors may consult with or refer to other professionals working in the Wellness Centre within a “circle of care” in order to provide the most appropriate support to a client.  

Counsellors may refer students to on-campus supports, such as academic support, peer programming, group sessions, EDI supports, the social worker, the multi-faith chaplain, the Meighen Centre etc. Referral might also made to off-campus supports. 

Due to resource limitations and time constraints within the university context, counselling services may not be available. In this circumstance, students are advised to connect with other resources advertised on the Mount Allison website. In an emergency, call 911. 

Counselling services not offered through the Wellness Centre 

Counsellors at Mount Allison are not able to: 

• Provide long-term counselling  
• Provide counselling for complex concerns which cannot be addressed within a short-term model or that fall outside the scope of a counsellor’s expertise. 
• Complete medical documentation for accommodation, government applications etc. 
• Complete psychological or neurological assessments (e.g. ADHD assessment, psycho-educational assessments). 
• Write medical notes for students for missed class etc. 
• Provide or manage medication 
• Provide crisis support (in an emergency call 911).  
• Provide counselling services to anyone not currently registered as a Mount Allison student. 

What to expect during an appointment

Before meeting with your counsellor, you will be asked to fill out an intake form on which you will provide personal information such as demographic information, health information, and your reasons for seeking counselling.

When meeting with your counsellor, they will ask questions to obtain some background information on the concerns or issues you have come to discuss with them.

Students may connect with the social worker through a self-referral or with a referral from a member of the Mount Allison community.

The social worker also has a lead role with the Student of Concern Case Team (SOCCT), where they are the first contact for students referred through that program.

In-person and virtual appointments are available. 

• Psychiatrists
  If you need a referral to a psychiatrist, talk to your doctor, or a doctor at the Wellness Centre.
   
• Psychologists
  There are several psychologists in private practice offering services like psychological assessments, mental health diagnoses, and psychotherapy. Search for psychologists through the College of Psychologists of New Brunswick. Some fees may be covered by the Mount Allison Students' Union insurance plan.
   
• Sage Solutions Inc. — 506-857-3258
  Counselling agency and network of professionals including counsellors, therapists, psychologists, and family mediators that provides access to counselling, meditation, and alternative health services
   
• Touchstone Counselling — 506-857-3077
  Counselling service with office hours in Sackville
   
• Open Sky Co-op — 506-536-4564
  Provides home and vocational assistance for adults requiring supports to improve their quality of life
   
• Daybreak
  Offers mental health support for adults (over 19) who live in the Tantramar Region
   
• Horizon Community Mental Health Centre — 506-856-2444
  Satellite office in Sackville
   
• Atlantic Wellness Community Centre — 506-382-0298 or info@atlanticwellness.org
   
• College of Psychologists of New Brunswick
   
• New Brunswick Association of Counselling Therapists

Licensed clinical psychologists hold PhDs in psychology and are mental health professionals who are trained to assess and diagnose problems in thinking, emotion, and behaviour using scientist-practitioner and evidence based models (Canadian Psychological Association).

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who are able to diagnose and treat medical disorders, including with prescription medication.