Welcome to Trent Counselling Services
Trent Counselling Services offers confidential, short-term mental health support, at no cost, to all registered students. Our dedicated therapists promote mental health and wellness with the goal of helping students participate fully in the Trent community.
Holiday Closure: Trent Counselling Services will be closed on Friday, December 20th at noon and will reopen on Monday, January 6th at 9am.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at counselling@trentu.ca
For more mental health support, please scroll down to Additional Options.
Services are now available virtually and in-person. See our FAQs for more information.
For counselling at Trent Durham, click here.
Are you or someone you know experiencing a mental health crisis? Click here.
Services and Supports
Services are short-term in nature and come in a range of options, from self-directed resources for independent growth to intensive community-based supports.
Self-Directed Resources
Students are empowered to take the lead on their own well-being. To support your journey, we encourage you to explore our comprehensive collection of self-guided resources, designed to be your first step towards improving your mental health and overall well-being. Our collection includes a wide range of print and online materials focused on mental health, including free access to Therapy Assistance Online (TAO) so you can start your journey today.
Groups and Workshops
Therapeutic groups and educational workshops on mental health-related topics are offered at different points throughout the semester. If you're interested in connecting to a community with shared experiences, check here for a listing of current offerings.
Individual Counselling
Individual counselling is confidential and free-of-charge for all registered students. Appointments are available during business hours, Monday-Friday between 9am and 4pm. Click here to book an appointment.
Crisis Support
Support is available 24/7 by phoning or texting the National Suicide Crisis Helpline at 9-8-8. Additionally, students in distress may contact our front desk for assistance at 705-748-1386 during business hours. If there is an emergency and you require immediate support, please contact Trent Security, phone 911, or go to your nearest hospital. For more crisis resources, check here.
Culturally Affirming Mental Health Support
Trent University Counselling Services is committed to providing culturally affirming psychotherapy that acknowledges the different lived experiences of Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour to their mental health challenges and well being.
We know that seeking mental health support can sometimes be difficult for many reasons, including, but not limited to, fear of being misunderstood and invalidated, stigma, and the burden of having to explain one's culture and worldview. To book an appointment, click here.
Ontario Shores Structured Psychotherapy Program
Partnered with Trent University, Ontario Shores Structured Psychotherapy Program provides structured, time-limited therapy to adults with depression and anxiety-related conditions. Supports are publicly-funded, evidence-based, and focus on practical strategies for managing your mental health concerns.
Additional Options
Therapy Assisted Online (TAO)
TAO includes over 150 brief, effective, educational sessions covering over 50 common topics and skills related to mental health, wellness and substance use issues. TAO includes interactive sessions, mindfulness exercises and practice tools all aimed at helping you achieve your goals.
I.M. Well - Student VIP Benefits
Counselling, life coaching, and other services available to all current Trent students, Alumni and their families. Students must have opted-in to the Student Health Benefits Plan to access this resource.
Private Therapy with Student Health Benefits
Students who have opted-in to the Student Health Benefits Plan will be reimbursed up to $1000 per year for private psychotherapy. If you are under the age of 25, you may have additional coverage through a guardian/parent's employment benefits.
Peer Support
Connect with a Peer Supporter to help navigate your wellness options and/or receive peer support.
2SLGBTQ+ Support (available September - April)
Jeffrey Reffo, a therapist who specializes in providing support to the 2SLGBTQ+ community, offers brief counselling to Trent students through video conferencing. To connect, please book an appointment with a therapist to discuss a referral. To learn more about Jeffrey, click here:
Mental Health Resources
Learn more about specialized mental health supports for diverse needs (e.g.: LGTBQ+, Indigenous Supports, Sexual & Domestic Violence, and more)
Talk Now - Mental Health and Addictions Clinic
Talk Now provides free counselling sessions with mental health and addictions professionals, as well as access to a Nurse Practitioner who specializes in mental health care.
Peterborough Family Health Team - Groups
The Peterborough Family Health Team provides residents of Peterborough City and County with programs and workshops to support their mental health, nutrition and overall well-being. The programs and workshops can vary from a few hours to a 10-week commitment and are available to you at no cost.
Support for Eating Disorders - Sheena's Place
Sheena's Place offers group-based support to people aged 17+ affected by an eating disorder or disordered eating. Groups are free-of-charge and participants do not require an eating disorder diagnosis or referral to register.