What is short-term counselling?
Short-term counselling can last up to eight sessions and helps students work towards a particular goal. Short-term counselling can help students clarify challenges, identify effective strategies to cope with certain situations and make positive changes.
What if I need more appointments than available in short-term counselling?
For students whose ongoing mental health needs warrant a referral to community resources, Selkirk College counsellors will refer to outside community supports.
Selkirk College counsellors may provide some interim support while connecting to the appropriate community resources. Same-day urgent appointments are also available to these students as the need arises.
What are reasons to seek short-term counselling?
Explore "What we do" under our scope of care.
Am I eligible for counselling?
Read "Eligibility" under our scope of care.
How long is the wait to see a Selkirk College counsellor?
Students who are experiencing an urgent need due to trauma or crisis can get a same-day appointment by contacting the Welcome Centre. Same-day appointments may mean meeting with a counsellor by Zoom video call or phone.
For typical counselling, wait times can vary throughout the year. Generally, students can expect to wait ten to fourteen days for an appointment.
Who will I see?
The counselling team at Selkirk College is comprised of professionals who are licensed by different regulatory bodies. Your appointment may be with a registered social worker, a registered clinical counsellor or a registered psychologist.
Social workers, registered clinical counsellors, and psychologists have codes of ethics, standards of practice and licensing requirements to which they must adhere. A violation of these ethics and standards can result in a counsellor losing their license to practice.
Are my appointments confidential?
All information discussed with a Selkirk College counsellor is considered private and is held in strict confidence. Information will not be released to anyone without your written permission. Counsellors will not share information about you or the contents of your appointment with any instructors or other Selkirk College staff.
There are a few, very rare exceptions where a Selkirk College counsellor may need to release your personal information:
- counsellors are required by law to report clear potential danger to self and/or others
- counsellors are required by law to report instances of current child abuse
- counsellor may consult with their counselling team colleagues to ensure students are provided the best possible care
If you have any questions or concerns about confidentiality, please feel free to talk to a Selkirk College counsellor.
What if I need medication?
Counsellors cannot provide any prescriptions for medication. Students will need to seek outside medical care for such requests.
What other supports available to students?
Explore a range of mental health resources.
Access a counsellor available specifically for Indigenous students.
Find supports for learning and studying.
Check out on-campus athletic and recreational programming.
Access offerings and resources to help you have a positive college experience.