We provide single-session and urgent counselling to offer timely, focused support for students navigating challenges during college life. Sessions are led by registered psychotherapists and social workers and can help with stress, anxiety, relationships, and adjustment to college.
Our counsellors work with you to develop solutions for mental health concerns and, if needed, provide access to additional college and community resources for ongoing care.
Appointments will be available the same day/next day
The Counselling team includes Intake and Triage Facilitators and Counsellors who are available to provide support to registered students. Intake and Triage Facilitators will meet with you on your first visit. During your 20 minute appointment they will work with you to:
Counsellors provide One at a Time Therapy (OAAT) and Brief counselling support.
It is helpful to consider what you would like to get out of your counselling session ahead of time. In your session, you will work with a counsellor to develop strategies and a clear plan of action. After the session, you’ll be able to take some steps and move forward on your own. Many students find one session very helpful. However, if you feel that something more is needed, you can discuss next steps with your counsellor.
Fanshawe is committed to accessible, timely support. However, some needs—such as long-term therapy or specialized mental health treatment—may require external care. If your needs fall outside our scope or hours of service, we will help you connect with appropriate campus or community resources. Additional options may be discussed during intake or follow-up appointments.
Note: Counselling Services is not an emergency service. If you think that you or someone you know is in immediate danger, or is too ill to wait for an assessment, you should access a hospital emergency room. If you are experiencing any immediate physical or mental health concerns: contact 9-1-1, or go to the nearest urgent care or emergency care facility for after-hours support.
Suicide Prevention
Call or text 9-8-8 to get help anytime, from anywhere in Canada. Canada's 988 helpline gives you 24/7 access to free, confidential suicide prevention services by phone (call or text). Simply dial 988 to connect with trained responders offering trauma-informed and culturally appropriate support, in English or French.
Crisis resources
CMHA After Hours Service
The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) provides mental health support to anyone in need. Walk-in and in-person services are available for persons in need. Find a location near you.
WeConnect
The WeConnect Student Assistance Program (SAP) provides eligible students and their dependents with short-term therapy, lifestyle counselling, courses, tools and events to improve mental and physical health.
Virtual appointments
Students will be able to set up an appointment by emailing campus@cmhatv.ca during our operating hours. Please include your phone number in your email.
Intake and counselling appointments are available online up to 2 business days in advance. Visit the online booking link to book an appointment. If you do not see any available appointments, please check the website again the following morning for updated availability.
If you require support to book your appointment, please call (519) 452-4282, or come in to F2010 during regular business hours for assistance.
One session may be enough to address your needs, but you can book subsequent appointments to build on previous sessions or address something new. Brief counselling focuses on counselling goals that are identified by you and your counsellor. You will work together to determine the number and frequency of sessions as part of your plan. Appointments may be booked through our online booking system or with your counsellor.
Brief Counselling is not a crisis support. If you are in crisis or need urgent support, please call or visit F2010 (Red Zone, London Campus) during regular business hours, or utilize community crisis supports.
Counselling is a free service for Fanshawe students. You will not be required to pay for your counselling sessions.
Counselling through the Student Assistance Program We Connect is covered through student ancillary fees, and there are no additional fees to access these services.
Counselling in the community may have fees associated. Students may have access to some funding for these costs.
Are you looking for a sense of community? Trying to find the right resources? Just hoping for a chance to talk?
Join fellow students in a drop-in space for a chance to chat, take a mental health break or get help navigating Fanshawe’s resources. Student peer leaders are trained in active listening, communication skills, diversity issues and wellness strategies. Explore College and community services together with us at your own pace.
Open to current Fanshawe students living in Ontario ONLY. To register, email peersupport@fanshawec.ca.
The Kind Space serves as a Peer Community Hub for students and trained peers to meet, connect and network.
Peers provide fellow students with social, emotional, practical, career and/or academic support using their similar experiences as students. Connecting with a Student Peer can foster a sense of community and belonging through the exchange of shared lived experiences.
You can access the Kind Space for scheduled:
The Kind Space values compassion for others, respect, a sense of belonging, diversity and inclusion, as well as sensory considerations and the commitment to privacy. Above all, the space aims to encourage connection and normalize help-seeking in a welcoming and accessible environment.
Kind Space location and booking hours
F2012, Red Zone, London Campus.
Starting September 9.
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Wednesday
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Friday
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Closed on weekends and holidays.
How to book the Kind Space
Student Ambassador, Peer Mentor, and Peer Support volunteers can book the space to meet with fellow students by emailing peersupport@fanshawec.ca.
Please cc your supervising staff or faculty member who can confirm your role as a current trained peer offering academic, social, practical, emotional or career support to fellow students
Learn how to support a student in distress. Are you worried about a fellow student or friend? Not sure what to do or how to help?
There are many supports on and off campus that can help someone who is struggling. Read our student mental health toolkit to learn how to Recognize, Respond and Refer to provide assistance for a student who may need a bit of mental health help.
Read our blog post on How to Support Someone with Mental Illness.
If you are comfortable doing so, directly expressing your concern can often help someone take the first steps to getting help.
Unsure how to bring it up? Here are some sample questions…
"Are you okay? I’ve noticed _______, and I'm concerned about you."
"How's it been going lately?" or "How have you been feeling lately?"
"You seem down and not like yourself lately. Is there anything I can do to help?"
"Hey, how are things? I haven’t seen you much lately and you seem really tired. Can I help you with anything?"
"I noticed you missed the last [class / test / etc.] – is everything okay?"
If you choose to speak with the them, keep the following tips in mind:
Examples:
"It sounds like there is a lot going on. There are some resources I can connect you with that may provide help."
"It sounds like you are dealing with a lot right now. I am here to listen."
"Did you know there is free and confidential support on campus?"
"You may not know this, but there are supports available on campus."
"Is there anything I can do to help you connect with resources?"
"I respect your decision and I’m here if you’d like to talk."
Continue to check in with the person to see how they are doing. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Examples:
"I wondered how things have been going since we last spoke. How are you doing? I’m here if you ever want to talk."
"I've been thinking about our conversation and wanted to check in. Have you been able to connect with any of the supports we discussed? Is there anything else you need right now?"
"It's good to connect with you. I just want to let you know I'm still here to support you and help connect you with resources if needed."
"I know you were dealing with a lot when we last spoke. You don't need to share any details you're not comfortable discussing, but I wanted to find out how things are going."
If you are ever concerned for the safety or immediate wellbeing of another person, worried about the potential for harm to others, or dealing with an emergency yourself, immediately call 911 or Campus Security Services (519-452-4242) right away!
Staying cool: 7 simple tips for hot summer days
Warm weather is a great time to get outside and enjoy campus life. With rising temperatures, it’s also a good idea to take a few simple steps to stay comfortable and avoid heat-related issues.
At a glance: staying cool checklist
Beyond the screen: understanding TFSV
With contributions from: Mackenzie Hartung, MPS, B.A. (Hons), Sexual Violence Prevention Coordinator, Fanshawe College
Every day we spend a great deal of our lives online: connecting with friends, sharing ideas, forming and building relationships
Innovation in Education: 5 Ways Fanshawe is Improving Student and Community Life
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