As a student, you may experience a range of mental health issues that can be significant barriers to achieving your personal and academic goals. George Brown’s Counselling and Student Well-being Services offers a wide range of free and confidential services and programs that may be able to assist you. Let our professional counselling staff support you in learning to solve problems and develop ways to attain your goals – in your education and in your life.
Counselling services can:
Counselling services also include workshops and groups that can help you to get more from your education.
Counselling is free, confidential and available for all full-time students who are currently enrolled.
Learn more about Counselling services
If you are covered under the student health benefits plan via the Student Association, you can also access 24/7 mental health support through WeSpeakStudent as well as prescription medications covered under the drug plan up to a limit.
If you are looking for a diagnosis, 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. More tips and a detailed guide can be found in the document Talking to Your Doctor About Mental Health provided by St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton.
The Office of Anti-Racism, Equity and Human Rights Services (OAREHRS) promotes fairness, equity, accountability and transparency at George Brown.
The office manages human rights complaints, advises and raises awareness on equity and inclusion. They are responsible for matters that fall under the following George Brown policies, and the relevant legislations that govern those policies: Human Rights, Discrimination & Harassment Policy; Sexual Harassment & Sexual Violence Policy and Protocol; AODA Accessibility Policy; and Freedom of Expression Policy.
Ways OAREHS can help you:
Please contact diversity@georgebrown.ca for any inquiries. All services are confidential. Please note that all Anti-Racism, Equity and Human Rights Services communication will be through your official George Brown email.
All new full-time George Brown students will be enrolled in our e-course Doing the Work: An Introduction to Anti-Racism on Brightspace. The self-directed 90+ minute course explores the ideas, language, concepts and discourses related to race, racism and anti-racism. It's unique in that it was created by us, for us. We strongly encourage you to complete the course as soon as possible.
You have a right to study, live and work in an environment that is safe from sexual violence.
Sexual violence is never the fault of the person who was assaulted or targeted. Having a culture that promotes consent and respect is the responsibility of everyone at George Brown, and we all have a role to play. That’s why the Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence Policy helps us support survivors by making information, options and supports clear, and provides a process to address complaints fairly.
Sexual violence is any act targeting a person’s sexuality, gender identity or gender expression. It’s something that can happen, be attempted or be threatened. It can also be physical or psychological, in-person and online.
Sexual violence includes:
Most significantly, an act of sexual violence is against a person’s consent.
Quite simply, the word ‘yes’ equals consent. The person initiating sexual contact is responsible for ensuring that there is ongoing consent to all sexual activity — yes, that means every step of the way. And if the person is drunk, high or unconscious, consent can’t be obtained. And consent isn’t consent if it’s coerced, or within a relationship with a power imbalance, such as a boss or teacher. Consent has to be clear, vocal and affirmative. Consent comes first.
Learn the ABCs of Consent and find more resources
If you have experienced sexual violence or know someone who has, know that you are not alone. Help is available at George Brown. To contact the Sexual Violence Response Advisor, phone 416-415-5000 ext. 3450, email svra@georgebrown.ca or use this form.
In case of an emergency:
Congratulations Huskies, you’ve made it through Online Orientation! We hope you’re feeling more confident and ready to take on your new adventure at George Brown. Here are some next steps you can take:
The Portal is your virtual George Brown home base! Besides having all your quick links and tools in one spot, it's also your best source of student news, events and opportunities. Make sure to bookmark it and check it regularly throughout the semester so you don't miss anything. You can access The Portal once you pay your fee deposit.
Find more student news, events, exclusives and ways to get involved on our social media pages!
Remember, there are virtual and in-person Orientation events! These are great ways to meet others, get your questions answered and explore our campuses.
Check out Orientation Events Calendar
No problem! You can email us orientation-related questions at orientation@georgebrown.ca or for more general inquiries, please call our Contact Centre at 416-415-2000. You can also browse hundreds of questions, or add your own, on Ask George Brown.
See you soon, we can't wait for you to find your way at George Brown, you've got this!
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.