URGENT ASSISTANCE & 24/7 CRISIS SUPPORT

One-at-a-time counselling

This quick-access counselling is available through the Horizon Health Network. It aims to support clients who are struggling with mental health or addiction related concerns and decide on next steps. In-person or virtual appointments are available with a site in Sackville and in Moncton.

Call 506-856-2444 to book an appointment. More information available here.

24/7 counselling via phone or online

Available to all students, Student Wellness is an external resource that provides students with free, confidential access to a professional counsellor anytime, anywhere, via phone or online.

Students can access this service through the Student Wellness website, or by calling 1-833-549-3281.

Go to Student Wellness

About the Student Wellness resource

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.

On-campus services

Counsellors

Counsellors at Mount Allison offer brief, solution-focused counselling services to students at no cost.

  • Two full-time mental health counsellors
  • A part-time partnership with a counsellor completing their practicum
  • One part-time counsellor for students identifying as part of the BIPOC and/or 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, plus weekly quick-care appointments available to all students (virtual appointments only).

Full details available when booking through the booking platform. 

Book an appointment

Students can book an appointment with a counsellor for regular intervals throughout the term. This is for ongoing counselling and starts with an initial consultation appointment. Sessions are 50 minutes in length. Once booking slots are full, students are directed to Student Wellness to speak to an external counsellor promptly. This service is free for Mount Allison students and available 24/7.

Mount Allison's counselling model

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.

Social Worker

Mount Allison’s social worker provides non-urgent case management services to students. Case management is not counselling, but includes navigation and connection to appropriate services both on and off campus. No cost.

Book an appointment

About our social worker

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. 

Local therapists 

Some local professional counsellors offer and direct billing options for students on the MASU health insurance program. These options are mostly fee-for-service, but some free options may be available. 

  • Breelove Counselling Inc.
    *Some free options available. Provides affordable counselling therapy by telephone or video using a trauma-informed approach. Specialities range from general mental health, art therapy, adversities, trauma, racial informed to nutritional psychology. The focus is to help individuals build resilience and heal. Contact Breelove Counselling by telephone at (506) 248-0639 or by e-mail at referrals@breelove.ca.
     
  • IRIS Community Counselling and Consulting
    IRIS offers mental health counselling services and education for individuals, groups, families, and youth of the greater Tantramar-area community. Connect with an IRIS counsellor by telephone at (506) 540-0942; on their website at https://iriscounselling.ca, or find them on Facebook and Instagram.
     
  • Denise Gaudet Counselling
    Office is on Bridge Street, a short 10-minute walk from campus. Online sessions are also available. Over 30 years experience with students. Connect with Denise Gaudet by telephone at (506) 850-9880 or visit her website.
     
  • Little Cabin Counselling
    Offers virtual (video) therapy sessions to folks across New Brunswick. Specialities include treatment for anxiety and depression, single incident or complex trauma, stress management and life transitions. A variety of therapeutic approaches are offered including but not limited to Cognitive Behavioural therapy, EMDR, Emotion-Focused, and Solution-Focused therapy. Free consultations are offered to discuss and ask any questions you may have about the process. Reach out via phone 506-702-5872 or email littlecabincounselling@gmail.com.

On-site Community Partners

Mount Allison has partnerships with several external providers offering fee-for-service appointments at the Wellness Centre. Some fees may be covered by the Mount Allison Students' Union insurance plan.

Service Day Available How To Make An Appointment
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Contact practitioner Make an appointment
Acupuncturist Monday afternoon Make an appointment
Massage therapist Tuesday (506) 364-2163 or email wellness@mta.ca
Psychologist Wednesday drjeanlucwilliams@jlwpsychology.ca
Dietician Thursday morning Email vez@telus.net
Chiropractor Friday afternoon Make an appointment
About the Psychologist

 

A licensed psychologist is on site weekly through a partnership with Mount Allison. Students must book this service directly with the psychologist. A psychologist can provide mental health diagnoses and psychotherapy. Fee-for-service.

The psychologist is on-site once a week and offers fee-for-service appointments. Email for appointment indicating you are a Mount Allison Student: drjeanlucwilliams@jlwpsychology.ca

Some fees may be covered by the Mount Allison Students' Union insurance plan.

About Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy

An EMDR therapist is available for booking and may be available to meet in person. More information about this practitioner and booking information is available here.  

Fee-for-service. Some fees may be covered by the Mount Allison Students' Union insurance plan.

Other support staff on campus

Additional community resources
  • 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
Psychologist vs. Psychiatrist

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.


After hours and online resources