George Brown Polytechnic is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work and live in the community with each other.
George Brown Polytechnic’s Counselling & Student Well-being Services offers support for currently registered students who are physically located in Ontario. Our diverse team of experienced counsellors provides confidential support to help students navigate current challenges that may impact their personal well-being and academic success.
How we support students
The team operates using a stepped care model with a trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and student-centred approach.
The counselling team uses a stepped care model. This means that you have access to a menu of services that includes self-directed resources, single-session counselling, peer support, mental health case management and wellness skill-building groups. To learn more about these options, please visit one of our counselling offices or book a counselling appointment, and a counsellor can explore what option works best for you.
George Brown’s counsellors are registered mental health professionals, and all have advanced training in various counselling approaches and modalities.
What our counsellors can help with
You can discuss any personal or academic concerns that are impacting your well-being and academic success.
Examples of concerns that students bring to counselling include, but are not limited to:
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Adjusting to post-secondary life
- Anxiety and depression
- Interpersonal conflict
- Gender and sexual identity concerns
- Stress and time management
- Grief and loss
- Sexual and intimate partner violence
- Financial stress
- Substance use concerns
- Coping with traumatic events
No issue is too big or too small.
Benefits of counselling
Having someone to talk to in a safe, informed capacity can make an important impact on your well-being.
Some of the benefits that you may gain from a single counselling session are:
- New ways of addressing personal and academic challenges
- Perspectives and clarity
- Practical tools and strategies
- A roadmap for pursuing and achieving goals
- Increased self-awareness
FAQ
Can counsellors diagnose or provide medication?
No, counsellors cannot provide a mental health diagnosis or medication.
If you are looking for a mental health diagnosis or medication, you must see a medical doctor, a nurse practitioner, a psychiatrist or a psychologist (note that Registered Psychologists in Ontario can diagnose mental health conditions, however, they cannot prescribe medications).
Is EVERYTHING that I share completely confidential?
Information that you give your counsellor is confidential. This means that the counsellor will not provide anyone with information about you (or even that you came to counselling) to anyone without your permission.
Information about seeking help from Counselling Services does NOT go into the student’s academic record and will NOT be given to parents, employers, or any government representative.
However, the law requires a counsellor to breach confidentiality if the following applies:
- It is clear that a person’s life is in danger, including your own.
- A child appears to be at risk of being harmed or neglected.
- Information is subpoenaed by a court of law.
View our Privacy Policy for more information.
How can I get help with registering for school, courses, or OSAP?
For help with registration, contact the Office of the Registrar.
For questions regarding OSAP, you can find support through the Financial Assistance office.
For help with your schedule or academic requirements, please contact your academic department. You can also find external academic support through the Student Association.
If you need tutoring, check out the Tutoring and Learning Centre.
I have an issue with my classes, grades, or my professor. Can you help me with this?
It depends on the type of support you are seeking. If you need emotional support or help with identifying how to approach the situation, a counsellor can help you. If you want help with appealing a course or a grade, please contact the Academic Support office in the Student Association or your academic department.
I need accommodations for a mental health issue. Can you help me with this?
If you have a mental health diagnosis, or suspect you may be experiencing a mental health concern that is affecting your courseload or corsework, you may wish to register with Accessible Learning Services (ALS). If you do not have a formal diagnosis, you can speak with a medical provider about assessment/documentation, or book an appointment with a counsellor to discuss your concerns and next steps.
If you are hoping to get an accommodation for circumstances that are unrelated to a disability, you can meet with a counsellor for support and to help you navigate the next steps.
How do I learn more about my student healthcare options?
George Brown Polytechnic's student health benefits program is facilitated through the Student Association's partnership with Alumo (formerly WeSpeakStudent). Visit the Student Association's website for more information and contact details.
How do I talk to my doctor about my mental health?
A medical doctor can diagnose health issues, provide or refer you to appropriate treatments, and help manage mental health challenges effectively. Seeing a doctor is crucial for getting the right support and interventions early on. So it's helpful to be open and honest with your doctor about your feelings and symptoms. Prepare for your visit by noting down your symptoms and how they affect your daily life.
Share your feedback
Your feedback is always welcome. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us.