Counselling Services operates on an appointment basis.Due to the high demand for our services, walk-in appointments are not available.However, we will provide a prompt response to ensure client safety in a crisis situation.Appointments may be booked in person or by calling 519-884-0710 x2338.The office is located in Room SS2-203 on the upper floor of the Student Services Centre (across the hall from Health Services). There is no charge for services; they are free to all WLU students.
Typical Wait Times:
When a student calls for an appointment, they will be scheduled at the earliest available appointment time.The wait time for a first appointment is usually one to two weeks, but during peak times (there may be a longer delay).
Intake Process:
A student’s first appointment is with an intake counsellor. These appointments are 30 minutes in length.The primary purpose of the intake appointment is to identify the student’s current issues, and to provide an understanding of the situation so that the student can be matched with an appropriate counsellor.Sometimes the intake session is sufficient to help the student think about new ways to address problems, or facilitate access to appropriate resources.
Several factors are considered when matching a student with a counsellor:the presenting issues, the requests of the student, the approach of the counsellor, and the resources available.During peak periods, there may be a longer delay between the intake appointment and the first counselling appointment.Follow-up counselling appointments will be scheduled on an as-needed basis as agreed upon by the student and counsellor (pending counsellor availability).These appointments are 50 minutes in length.
Crisis/Urgent Appointments:
An urgent concern is one which is causing considerable distress and requires immediate support to deal with a difficult situation or emotional state.A crisis is an urgent situation accompanied by a concern that you might hurt yourself or others.
A limited number of crisis appointments are available each day for students with urgent concerns or who are in crisis. A student who is in crisis and needs to be seen as soon as possible should call the office at 519-884-0710 x2338 to book a crisis appointment. Please inform the administrative assistant that you are in crisis and need to see someone as soon as possible.If there are no more crisis appointments available that day, students will be referred to other community resources.
Missed Appointments:
A student who misses an appointment or cancels late without giving 24 hours advance notice of cancellation may be charged a $20.00 fee before booking their next appointment, or may forfeit future appointments.Exceptions may be made for cases of the flu, illness, etc.
Confidentiality:
In the course of our work with students, we collect information that is relevant to providing an assessment and/or treatment services. Such information may include current concerns, relevant history, family relationships, past treatment or other relevant information. No personally identifiable information will be released to anyone without the student’s permission, with the exception of the following rare situations required by law:
1. To assess the possibility of/intervene in a life threatening situation
2. To ensure the safety of a child under 16 who has been, or may be, abused
3. If subpoenaed by the courts
4. If sexual abuse by a regulated healthcare provider is reported, that provider will be reported to his/her professional college.
Information is also collected in an anonymous manner to compile statistics for program evaluation and quality improvement purposes. Please note that electronic communication such as e-mail is not considered a secure, confidential medium for use between client and counsellor. Ask your counsellor (or other staff) if you have questions or concerns about this policy.
