Mcgill Counselling and Mental Health Services

Mcgill’s mental health services are accessible to any registered Mcgill student who has paid the Student Services Fee. For the 2017-2018 school year, Mcgill Mental Health and Counselling Services have implemented new structural changes that directly affect how they can be accessed. Psychologists, counselors, and therapists will be part of the Counselling Services, while all psychiatrists will be part of the Psychiatric Services. These changes have been made to supposedly “optimize service delivery.”

However, navigating Mcgill’s mental health services can be both difficult and frustrating. There are often long wait times, whether for urgent day-of appointments or for scheduling appointments in the future. Urgent-care appointments can be made from 11a.m. to 1p.m. at the mental health offices, which ensures an appointment on the day of. To schedule an appointment with a clinician or psychiatrist in advance, call the numbers indicated on Mcgill’s mental health website or visit the Brown Building (Suite 4200, East Wing for a clinician and Suite 5500 in the West Wing for psychiatric services). Appointments are available on a first-come, first serve basis, so it’s always good to book them as soon as possible.

The Counselling and Mental Health office offers a variety of services ranging from light therapy lamps,to individual therapy, to group sessions. Individual therapy is usually only offered as a short-term plan, because Mcgill has not yet been able to accommodate all the students who need these services. This puts many students in a tough situation because pursuing off-campus options can be prohibitively expensive.

Once an appointment is secured, you should receive a reminder of your appointment 24 hours in advance. There is a $20 cancellation fee at least 24 hours before an appointment, while missing an appointment incurs a $70 fee.