Employee Resources for Supporting Student Mental Health
AC Resources
Counselling Services (Supporting students personal, academic and career concerns)
When students need to talk, we’re here to listen. A variety of mental health resources and professionals are available to help them succeed at Algonquin College. Mental health professionals work with students to assess their wellness needs and identify the type of care that’s right for them – from self-directed programs and tools, to workshops, support groups, and individual counselling for career, academic, or personal concerns.
Call or email the Welcome Centre to book an appointment
613-727-4723 ext. 7200
welcomecentre@algonquincollege.com
Crisis Support Resources
It’s common for students to become overwhelmed by the challenges of college. If your student is experiencing intense feelings of distress or thoughts of suicide, please connect them with one of the support services available on campus and in the community.
Health Services
Health Services provides essentially all of the services you would expect from a family doctor or medical clinic in a professional and confidential manner. Walk-in services are currently closed due to Covid-19, however, we are able to meet students’ needs through booked appointments with our team of physicians and nurses. Overall services include birth control information, prescriptions, flu shots, pap tests, STI testing, and immunizations, to name a few.
Health Services is able to provide excellent support for a student’s mental health needs through our team of physicians, our mental health nurse, as well as our partnership with The Royal Mental Health Care and Research Center for psychiatry services. To access the Psychiatry Clinic, students must first meet with a Physician. To learn more about our psychiatry services, or to book an appointment with a Physician, please contact the reception team at 613-727-4723 ext.7222.
For more information about the Psychiatry Clinic, please review this brochure.
Be sure to keep an eye out for the Health Promotion team who work to educate students about multiple aspects of health and wellness through engaging events and activities.
Room C141 (C Building)
613-727-4723 ext. 7222
Indigenous Counsellor
The Indigenous Counsellor is available for professional and discreet counselling services in a private office in the Mamidosewin Centre. These services are available for all Indigenous learners with academic or personal concerns. Students can drop by for a visit or make a confidential appointment.
Keep.meSAFE (Mental Health Support for International Students)
The keep.meSAFE Program provides confidential counselling support to international students who are living outside of Canada. It also provides consultation for faculty and staff who are working with learners from other cultures.
This program provides:
- Confidential support to students at no cost
- Immediate access to support via chat and telephone available 24/7 anywhere in the world
- Access to real time counselling across all platforms: English, French, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese
The easiest way for learners to access the many resources of the keep.meSAFE Program is through the app. Within the app, students can access real-time phone and chat support at the click of a button.
Project Lighthouse (Sexual Violence Prevention and Support)
Project Lighthouse aims to shine light on the topic of sexual violence and help students navigate healthy sexual relationships. Through compassion, education, and awareness, this initiative aims to reduce sexual violence at Algonquin College and support survivors of sexual violence. Look for events and programming on campus to get involved. Students can also view a list of on and off-campus supports for survivors of sexual violence at the Ottawa, Pembroke, and Perth campuses.
If you have questions about events or programming provided by Project Lighthouse, please contact projectlighthouse@algonquincollege.com.
Spiritual Centre
Many people look to spirituality for support and guidance in times of stress. Studies have shown that this is an effective resource for those that choose it. The Spiritual Centre is a place where students can find affirmation and support on their spiritual journey.
The Spiritual Centre provides a collaborative environment of positive spiritual and religious engagement, diversity, and respect, and nurtures the spiritual and religious well-being of everyone in the Algonquin College community. Activities and services include religious services and faith counselling, plus a variety of discussion groups, workshops, and special events. Come visit this relaxing space – all are welcome!
Room E211 (Student Commons/E Building)
Shelley Neilson – Spiritual Centre Coordinator
613-727-4723 ext. 6456
neilsos@algonquincollege.com
Peer Support
Sometimes it can be helpful for students to have a peer to connect with for academic or personal connection and support. See the links below for some resources to consider.
- Student Navigator Program – AC Hub
- Student Mentors – AC Aspire
- Indigenous Pathfinder – Mamidosewin
- The Beacon – Project Lighthouse
- AC Purple Couch – Student Support Services
- International Student Mentors (IEC)
- Peer Tutoring – SLC / Library
- All People, All Pathways – SSS Umbrella Project
- Groups – Counselling
Umbrella Project (Substance Use & Addiction Support)
The Umbrella Project is creating a safer space on campus to discuss how the use of alcohol and other drugs impact students’ lives and focuses on helping students reduce any problematic effects they may experience. Through compassion, objectivity, and non-judgement, the Umbrella Project aims to reduce the harm and unwanted consequences associated with alcohol and other drug use. It also focuses on helping students reduce problematic effects, and provides training, workshops, awareness, and support services for students and employees.
Students should check out the online resources, or book a harm reduction consultation if they need information for themselves or to support someone in their life. The Umbrella Project also provides All People, All Pathways group sessions and trainings on overdose prevention.
Call or email the Welcome Centre to book an appointment
613-727-4723 ext. 7200
welcomecentre@algonquincollege.com
Ask for a harm reduction consultation.
Tragic Event Response Team
TERT is a multidisciplinary group of College employees covering all Algonquin College campuses. Team members are trained to provide Psychological First Aid to students in the event of a tragic incident. These events may occur on or off-campus.
Support for the Death of a Student
Learning about the death of student can be very difficult for staff and students. Should you learn about the death of a student please refer to the college policy SA04 for direction. Counselling Services can assist you in making a plan and supporting your students.
Food Cupboard
The Food Cupboard is a supportive service funded by the Algonquin Students’ Association and other community members. The Food Cupboard provides students who require the services with food and other basic necessities. The Food Cupboard is open for Food Pickups on: Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday by appointment only. Drop-in service is not available.
ASPIRE AC (Transition and Success at College)
Please click on the link below to access the AC Aspire Brochure to review supports offered and see if this service may assist students who are having difficulty in their transition and success at college. AC Aspire offers varied resources for success and can assist with accessing college programs, deal with the transition to college and employment after graduation.
Apps and Online Tools
Group Supports
Group counselling boosts your skills, coping strategies, and support system by providing a safe, supportive environment where you can share your experiences. It enhances your connection to others, and provides you with a variety of approaches and perspectives to help you deal with challenges.
Community Resources
Mental Health Resources
- Mental Health and Addictions Regional Coordinated Access – accessmha.ca
- The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre – theroyal.ca
- Ottawa Canadian Mental Health Association – ottawa.cmha.ca
- Walk-In Counselling – walkincounselling.com
Housing Support
There are several resources in Ottawa to help with housing including emergency options.
Food Security
The Ottawa Food Bank provides food in various locations around the city. In order to find where food may be accessed a student can enter their address into the search bar on the main link and then pin it on the map. This will show the student where the nearest food bank is to their home. Please review the full site for further details.
Substance Use & Addiction
Drug and Alcohol Helpline provides a helpful Information and referral specialist that will answer your call, email or web chat 24/7. The service is free and confidential. They can provide information about treatment services and supports in your community, listen, offer support and provide strategies to help you meet your goals and provide basic education about drug and alcohol problems. 1-800-565-8603.
Rideauwood Addiction and Family Services is a non-profit organization that provides a range of outpatient treatment programs and support for youth, adults who are struggling with alcohol, drug and/or gambling addiction, and their families, in the Ottawa area. 613-724-4881.
Online Resources
Disordered Eating Support
There are a variety of supports in Ottawa for students feeling challenged with disordered eating. The services range from community support to in-patient hospital support. Please check with your doctor to assist you in more detail if you are feeling concerned about your weight and eating. This is potentially life threatening.