This page outlines resources both within UBC, and more broadly throughout British Columbia, that can support your wellbeing and mental health, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
If you have questions or concerns about getting the support you need, or have suggestions about how the Faculty of Medicine can better support your overall wellbeing (now and in the future), please contact Karen Ross, your new Graduate & Postdoctoral Wellbeing Support Coordinator.
UBC INFORMATION AND UPDATES
Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies COVID-19 Updates on FAQs related to funding, assessments, dissertations, housing, international student specific information, etc.
Faculty of Medicine COVID-19 Updates includes FAQs for research trainees.
UBC Central COVID-19 Service Updates includes updates on services such as the Sexual Violence Prevention & Response Office; AMS Sexual Assault Support Centre; Centre for Accessibility; Advising; etc.
UBC Central lists resources for mental health during COVID-19.
PROFESSIONAL COUNSELLING AND SUPPORT
*NEW* Here2Talk offers confidential, single-session counselling services by app, phone or online chat, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Free to all BC postsecondary students.
*NEW* UBC Graduate Student Online Support Group on Thursdays at 2pm explores topics such as shifting and rebuilding routines, handling uncertainty and worry, dealing with loneliness and distance from support networks, news coverage overload, staying motivated and creative, and more. Register in advance for these meetings.
UBC Counselling Services offers appointments by phone during the COVID-19 outbreak. Students can call 604-822-3811 to schedule an appointment. Counselling services are free of charge to UBC students.
Empower Me offers 24/7 counselling and life coaching via phone or online platforms. It is free of charge for UBC students who are enrolled in Studentcare.
Studentcare/Pacific Blue Cross includes counselling and mental health benefits of up to $500 per academic year for all students enrolled in UBC GSS’s Student Health & Dental Plan (Studentcare). Many practitioners offer services online or by phone. Students who have opted out of the GSS Health & Dental Plan may have similar coverage through an equivalent extended benefits plan.
UBC SELF-GUIDED RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS
Wellness Centre Online is a Canvas space for engaging in topics relevant to your wellbeing. All UBC students can self-enroll.
TAO Self-help Resources include online modules and tools on stress, anxiety, relationship problems, substance use, and more. Also includes a library of mindfulness exercises. Register with a UBC email.
PROVINCIAL MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
Vancouver Coastal Health Access & Assessment Centre serves as an entry point for mental health and/or substance use services through Vancouver Coastal Health.
ADDITIONAL SELF-GUIDED RESOURCES
Self-Care and Resilience Guide during COVID-19 (Mental Health Commission of Canada)
How can we manage COVID-19 anxiety? (webinar featuring UBC experts)
Managing Stress and Burnout during the COVID-19 Crisis (BC Crisis Centre online course)
CRISIS SUPPORT AND REFERRAL LINES
BC-wide crisis line: 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433)
Crisis Centre Chat offers immediate online support (noon to 1am)
BC-wide Mental Health Support Line: 310-6789
First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Helpline offers immediate mental health counselling, crisis support, and referrals for Indigenous peoples across Canada. Indigenous people in BC can also call the KUU-US Crisis Line at 1-800-588-8717
HealthLink BC provides health information, including a COVID Symptom Self-Assessment tool. Call 8-1-1 to speak with a health services navigator, registered nurse, pharmacist, or registered dietician.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
The UBC Graduate Student Wellness Network has prepared a comprehensive Wellbeing Resource Folder that can be downloaded from the GrasPods website.