
Explore detailed information about the many resources that are available to support your wellbeing as a graduate student in the Faculty of Medicine.
Counseling Services
Learn how to access virtual and in-person counselling support.
- Faculty of Medicine Embedded Counselling – access counselling services tailored for research graduate students within the Faculty of Medicine.
- UBC Counselling Services – access same-day counselling, single-session support, wellness advising appointments, and referrals to additional services.
- UBC Group Counselling Programs – participate in structured group sessions focused on common student concerns and skill-building.
- Mental Health Practitioners Coverage – learn about student insurance coverage for private counselling and mental health services.
- Here2Talk – access free, confidential 24/7 mental health counselling for post-secondary students in British Columbia.
- Employee Family Assistance Program (EFAP) – postdoctoral fellows can access confidential counselling and wellbeing support through employee benefits.
Immediate 24/7 Crisis Support
If you or someone else needs crisis support, the following resources are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:
- British Columbia Emergency Services: Call 911 for police, fire, or ambulance emergencies in B.C.
- UBC Urgent Care (8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.): Walk-in to 2211 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC for urgent care, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
- 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline: If you or someone you know is feeling hopeless or at risk of harm, call or text 9-8-8 toll-free, anytime.
- VictimLinkBC: Call or text 1-800-563-0808 anytime for confidential, multilingual service for people affected by crime, violence, and trauma available across B.C. and the Yukon.
- First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line: Call 1-855-242-3310 or access online chat anytime for immediate mental health counselling and crisis support for Indigenous people across Canada.
- UBC Campus Security: Call 604-822-2222 for urgent on-campus safety support at UBC Vancouver.
Mental Health Literacy resources
Learn about how to support your mental health proactively.
- Explore Health and Wellbeing at UBC to learn about a wide range of supports and services available to students, including mental health, physical health, and wellbeing resources.
- Contact the UBC Wellness Centre to find services that best suit your needs, such as wellness advising, self-help tools, group therapy programs, and peer support resources.
- Access Here2Talk – immediate 24/7 mental health counselling for post-secondary students in British Columbia. Support is available in multiple languages, and UBC students can reach out as often as needed, from anywhere in the world.
- Use Therapy Assistance Online (TAO) to access self-guided tools for managing stress, relationship challenges, substance use, and more. Available globally – register with your UBC email.
- Self-refer to the Access and Assessment Centre (AAC) mental health and substance use services in Vancouver. If you live outside of Vancouver but in British Columbia, you can visit a Rapid Access Clinic in your area.
- Visit MindHealth BC – to explore resources and take a self-check tool to better understand your mental health and wellbeing.
- Explore Heretohelp for information and resources on mental health and substance use.
- Connect with First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line for culturally grounded support via phone (1-855-242-3310) or online chat.
- Learn about Indigenous Mental Health and Wellbeing program that offer culturally relevant support and resources.
Peer Support
Find ways to connect with peers for academic, social, and emotional support
- Graduate Student Peer Mentorship Program – connect with fellow graduate students for guidance, support, and shared experiences.
- Postdoctoral Peer Mentorship Program – access peer-based support and professional connection within the postdoctoral community.
- AMS Peer Support – receive free, confidential, student-to-student support for a wide range of concerns.
- Graduate Student Society Peer Support – access peer support services tailored to graduate student needs.
- UBC Student recovery community – connect with a supportive community for students in recovery or exploring recovery.
Other Resources
UBC offers a wide range of supports for students. Explore additional resources below.
- Student Services Support – access support related to academics, finances, immigration, health, career development, and sexual assault support.
- SVPRO (Sexual Violence Prevention & Response Office) – provides confidential support, advocacy, and resources for those impacted by sexual violence.
- SASC (Sexual Assault Support Centre) – offers peer support, advocacy, and education related to sexualized violence.
- AMS Clubs – get involved in student-led clubs and communities to build connection, explore interests, and enhance your university experience.
- Chaplains at UBC – access opportunities for spiritual care, religious observance, and community connection across diverse faith traditions.
Physical Health
Explore resources to support your physical health, recreation, and access to nutritious food.
- Student Health Services – access medical care, health consultations, and support for your overall physical wellbeing.
- UBC’s student health and dental plan – learn about coverage for medical, dental, and extended health services available to students.
- Centre for Accessibility – access services and accommodations to support students with disabilities, ongoing medical conditions, or temporary injuries.
- FoodHub – find information about food access on campus, including the AMS Food Bank, UBC Meal Share program, and affordable grocery options.
- Move UBC (MoveU) – connect with student “movement specialists” and initiatives that support students, staff, and faculty in building active, healthy lifestyles.
Emergency Financial Support
Access resources available for financial planning and emergencies, including financial bursaries.
- Graduate Student Society Student Assistance Funds – find information about short-term financial support to help manage unexpected financial challenges.
- Student Services Emergency Support – explore emergency funding options and financial resources available to students in urgent need.
Learner Mistreatment
Learn how to recognize and report concerns related to mistreatment, bullying, or harassment.
- REDI Learner Mistreatment (Faculty of Medicine) – access support and reporting pathways specifically for Faculty of Medicine learners experiencing mistreatment.
- Office of Ombudsperson for students – an independent, impartial and confidential resource to assist students in addressing and resolving concerns about unfair treatment at UBC.
- Graduate Program Contacts – reach out to your Graduate Program Director, Program Advisor, or the Associate Dean of Graduate & Postdoctoral Education for guidance and support.
- Graduate Student Society (GSS) and Student/Trainee Associations – connect with peer-led organizations for advocacy, support, and guidance within your program or site.
- Postdoctoral Support – postdoctoral fellows can contact the UBC Postdoctoral Association or the Postdoctoral Fellow’s Office for support and resources.
Postdoc-Specific Resources
Explore resources tailored to support postdoctoral fellows’ professional, social, and personal wellbeing.
- Postdoctoral Association (PDA) – connect with the postdoctoral community through social events, networking opportunities, and peer support at UBC.
- Postdoctoral Fellows Office Guide (2022)– access detailed information about benefits, policies, and career development opportunities for postdoctoral fellows.
Social Events
Stay up to date on events that support social connection, community building, and professional development.
- Graduate + Postdoctoral Studies – explore events, workshops, and opportunities designed for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows.
- UBC events – browse a wide range of campus events, including academic, social, and recreational activities.
- UBC events Indigenous Portal – discover events, gatherings, and cultural programming that celebrate and support Indigenous communities.