David Ness (he/him/his)
Director, Associate Professor
Student Counselling Centre
Sometimes, when talking with your friends or family isn’t possible or isn’t enough, it helps to talk with a professional. The Student Counselling Centre (SCC) offers students a variety of counselling supports including workshops, groups and individual counselling. In addition, SCC hosts three unique training programs.
The Student Counselling Centre continues to operate during the faculty strike albeit with reduced capacity because some of their staff are participating in the UMFA strike. Individual counselling appointments continue to be offered by staff who are working and intake appointments are also available. Some groups and workshops also remain available to students.
On-campus counselling
The Student Counselling Centre (SCC) continues to be available to provide counselling support to University of Manitoba students during the COVID-19 pandemic.
If you are experiencing a high degree of distress, please call our reception desk at 204-474-8592 to discuss your situation. Students needing emergency/crisis support outside of business hours are encouraged to use one of the 24/7 crisis services listed below.
Individual counselling services will be provided via telephone and students wanting counselling support for the first time or former SCC clients wishing to re-connect with us are asked to call our reception at 204-474-8592 to request an initial intake counselling appointment. Existing clients of the SCC will be contacted via telephone by their counsellor at their scheduled appointment time. Existing clients are invited to contact us at the above number if you would prefer us to call you at a different phone number than the one you previously provided to us or if you would like to discontinue counselling at this time. Please note that our calls identify as blocked numbers when we call clients.
At this time, the SCC does not plan to close nor stop providing services. Please see below for additional resources that may also be available for counselling support should you want to pursue alternative options. We thank you for your understanding during this time.
- Empower Me (1-833-628-5589)– Telephone and in-person brief counselling support only available to University of Manitoba students.
- Canada Suicide Hotline (1-833-456-4566)
- Crisis Response Centre (204-940-1781), 817 Bannatyne Ave.
- Mobile Crisis Service (204-940-1781)
- Klinic Crisis Line (204-786-8686)
- Manitoba Suicide Prevention and Support Line (1-877-435-7170)
- First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Services (1-855-242-3310)
- Kid Help Line (1-800-668-6868)
- Support line for women experiencing domestic violence (204-940-6624)
- Sexual Assault Crisis Line (1-888-292-7565)
- Klinic drop-in counselling (870 Portage Ave. – check website for details)
- Addictions Foundation of Manitoba (204-944-6200)
- Province of Manitoba | Mental Health Virtual Therapy Program
- Women’s Health Clinic (204-947-1517)
- Men’s Resource Centre (204-415-6797, ext. 250)
- Canadian Mental Health Association – General Information (204-775-6442)
- Fort Garry Women’s Resource Centre (204-477-1123)
- Immigrant Women’s Counselling Services (204-940-5900)
- Rainbow Resource Centre (204-474-0212)
- City of Winnipeg Emergency (911)
- Private Psychologist or Master’s Level Social Worker (check the Manitoba Psychological Society and Manitoba College of Social Workers websites to identify possible options) – you may have coverage through UMSU (Student Dental and Health plan) for up to $1000.00/year. Please check UMSU’s website for more information.
The Student Counselling Centre (SCC) provides a range of counselling services for students at both the Fort Garry and Bannatyne campuses.
Our groups and workshops can help you quickly learn new skills to deal more effectively with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship problems and more.
Personal counselling is also available for anxiety, depression, relationship problems, stress, loss, transition, trauma and violence and procrastination, among other concerns.
Dedicated counselling services are available on-site for students at Migizii Agamik - Bald Eagle Lodge, as well as for students enrolled in the College of Nursing, the Faculty of Law and the Desautels Faculty of Music. Please contact the SCC main office to learn more about hours and availability.
See below for more info on services and to contact each location.
Student Counselling Centre — Fort Garry campus
The SCC has counselling workshops available daily that do not require pre-registration that can help you cope with and manage a wide range of difficulties. The SCC also offers group counselling and individual counselling. If you would like individual counselling, you need to attend an initial intake appointment that you can request in-person at their office. These appointments are available on a first-come, first-serve basis each weekday.
474 UMSU University Centre
75A Chancellors Circle
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry Campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada
Workshops and Groups
Groups and workshops are a great way to get counselling help for a variety of difficulties.
The Student Counselling Centre is excited to offer a variety of groups and workshops for students during the upcoming regular academic year of 2021/2022. All groups and workshops will be offered virtually for the fall of 2021 to protect students and to follow University of Manitoba health requirements. Please register for a group or workshop by calling our reception at 204-474-8592. You will receive a link to the session following registration. We are hopeful that groups and workshops will be offered in-person beginning in January 2022 – please check our website for updates or call us to confirm.
SCC workshops are available every weekday September through the end of April and there are often more than one workshop option available to students on a given day. Workshops usually include teachings on specific topics such as stress management, conflict resolution, self-esteem, relationships, and meditation. They also include sharing strategies for building or adding skills.
Learn more about the workshops we are offering this year:
The SCC is offering several different counselling groups during the upcoming year. Groups differ from workshops in that they are more than one session and you will have the same people in your group week-to-week. Groups allow an opportunity for more in-depth help for your needs. Our groups focus on helping students with depression and anxiety, relationship break-up, substance use, grief, body image, identity and more.
Learn more about the groups we are offering this year:
Please note that during the COVID-19 pandemic, to help you get the most help possible from our workshops and groups and to help you feel connected and part of a community (with your fellow students and our counsellors), we require all students who participate in our virtual workshops and groups to have their video turned on. Those students who turn off their video will be removed from the virtual room.
For more information or to register, please contact:
Student Counselling Centre
474 UMSU University Centre
Phone: 204-474-8592
RBC MOOD (Manitoba Online Overcoming Depression) Program
The RBC MOOD Program is an online counselling service for University of Manitoba students who would like help with low to moderate symptoms of depression. The program consists of a series of treatment modules that are self-directed, which means you choose when and how quickly you complete them.
When you enroll in the RBC MOOD Program, a counsellor from the Student Counselling Centre (SCC) will be assigned as your online counsellor and will provide support and feedback as you work your way through the modules.
Benefits of the RBC MOOD Program:
• learn about depression, stress and anxiety;
• be introduced to many different treatments for depression, stress and anxiety;
• develop a variety of skills to manage your mood;
• be supported by an online counsellor from the SCC;
• learn about and get connected to other relevant supports on and off campus.
To learn more about the RBC MOOD Program and to find out if is right for you, please come to either the main office of the SCC at 474 UMSU University Centre and request an initial intake counselling appointment or, for students at the Bannatyne campus, connect either in-person (S211 Medical Services Building) or via telephone (204-272-3190) with Student Services at Bannatyne Campus.
Bannatyne campus
Call the Student Services at Bannatyne Campus office to request an intake appointment. Intake appointments are available every weekday throughout the year.
S211 Medical Services Building
University of Manitoba (Bannatyne Campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3E 0W2 Canada
Migizii Agamik - Bald Eagle Lodge
The Student Counselling Centre offers individual counselling at Migizii Agamik - Bald Eagle Lodge on select weekdays (contact the SCC main office for availability). Interested students should telephone to schedule an initial intake appointment.
In addition to individual counselling, a drop-in men’s group called Zongiigabowin is offered here.
Migizii Agamik - Bald Eagle Lodge
Student Counselling Centre - main office
College of Nursing, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences
College of Nursing students wishing to access counselling services may attend the UMSU University Centre SCC location or receive services in the Helen Glass Centre for Nursing. Call the Student Counselling Centre to request an intake appointment. Services are available in the Helen Glass Centre for Nursing location from September to the end of April. For more information, contact the SCC at 204-474-8592.
Faculty of Law
Faculty of Law students wishing to access counselling services may attend the UMSU University Centre SCC location or receive services in a Robson Hall Faculty of Law location. Call or visit the Student Counselling Centre to schedule an initial intake appointment. Services are available at the Robson Hall location from September to the end of April. For more information, contact the SCC at 204-474-8592.
Desautels Faculty of Music
Music students wishing to access counselling services may attend the UMSU University Centre SCC location or receive services in a location in the Desautels Faculty of Music. Call or visit the Student Counselling Centre (474 UMSU University Centre) to schedule an initial intake appointment. Services are available at this location from September to the end of April. For more information, contact the SCC at 204-474-8592.
Addictions Foundation of Manitoba in the SCC
An addictions worker from the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba is available one day a week from September to May. For more information, contact the SCC at 204-474-8592.
24/7 crisis resources
WRHA Crisis Response Centre
817 Bannatyne Avenue
WRHA Mobile Crisis Service
Klinic Crisis Line
204-786-8686
Toll free: 1-888-322-3019
TTY: 204-784-4097
Manitoba Suicide Prevention and Support Line
Toll free: 1-877-435-7170
TTY: 204-784-4097
reasontolive.ca
Sexual Assault Crisis Line
204-786-8631
Toll free: 1-888-292-7565
TTY: 204-784-4097
klinic.mb.ca/in-person-counselling/sexual-assault-crisis-counselling
First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Services
Helpline: 1-855-242-3310
Online chat: chat.fn-i-hopeforwellness.ca
Gambling Helpline
Toll free: 1-800-463-1554
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE)
204-787-3942
hsc.mb.ca/emergencynurseexam.html
Willow Place Crisis Line
24-hour crisis line and emergency shelter in Winnipeg for women and their children leaving family violence situations.
204-615-0311
Toll free: 1-877-977-0007
willowplaceshelter.ca/how-to-access-help
Mental health resources
Addictions Foundation of Manitoba (AFM)
Manitoba Addictions Helpline: 1-855-662-6605
24h-hour Problem Gambling Helpline (Toll free): 1-800-463-1554
afm.mb.ca
Anxiety Disorders Association of Manitoba (ADAM)
Canadian Mental Health Association — Manitoba and Winnipeg
Empower Me Clinical Response Centre
Empower Me is a mental health and wellness service that supports existing on-campus and Studentcare mental health resources. Empower Me allows you to connect with qualified counsellors, consultants and life coaches for a variety of issues.
Toll free: 1-833-628-5589
studentcare.ca/rte/en/IHaveAPlan_UniversityofManitoba_EmpowerMe_EmpowerMe
Fort Garry Women’s Resource Centre
Klinic In-Person Counselling and Support Groups
klinic.mb.ca/in-person-counselling
Manitoba Schizophrenia Society
Men’s Resource Centre
Mood Disorders Association
New Directions
Support for children, adolescents and adults in a variety of settings. Individuals may have an intellectual disability and/or physical disability and/or use American Sign Language to communicate.
OCD Centre Manitoba
Rainbow Resource Centre
RRC offers support to the LGBT2SQ+ community in the form of counselling, education and programming for individuals ranging from children through to 55+. They also support families, friends, and employers of LGBT2SQ+ individuals.
Sara Riel Inc.
Sara Riel Inc. is a charitable organization that provides voluntary programs and services in a community-based setting to adults experiencing mental health concerns.
Seneca Warm Line (phone support 7:00 to 11:00 pm)
Dedicated peer support workers are available to talk, provide support and offer resources.
The Laurel Centre
For women experiencing the traumatic effects of childhood sexual abuse.
Family and couples resources
Aurora Family Therapy Centre
204-786-9251
aurorafamilytherapy.com/contact.html
Evolve Family Violence Counselling (at Klinic Community Health Centre)
204-784-4059
klinic.mb.ca/in-person-counselling/evolve-family-violence-counselling
Family Dynamics
U of M Couples Counselling Project
The Couples Counselling Project is a service, training and research program designed to help couples that have experienced abuse/violence in the past and want to work towards an abuse-free relationship.
204-474-6711
couples@umanitoba.ca
umanitoba.ca/faculties/social_work/research/667.html
Training programs
Student crisis counselling
The Student Counselling Centre is not offering in-person services at this time due to COVID-19 and therefore not able to provide the same crisis counselling support services that previously had been available on campus.
If you are a student who is experiencing a very high level of distress (e.g., having a panic attack, feeling at risk for harming self or others) and it is critical that you speak to someone immediately (i.e. it is an emergency) or if you are trying to help a student who is experiencing a very high level of distress, please contact one of the crisis/emergency supports listed on our website.
If you are a student who is distressed but safe (i.e., it is not an emergency – you don’t need to speak to someone immediately), please call us at 204-474-8592 (Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm) to request support and an initial appointment. You may also use the crisis resources identified above.
Sexual violence support
If you have experienced any form of sexual violence, know it is not your fault. You are not alone and there are many supports available and people who can help you.
Counselling for sexual violence is available at the Student Counselling Centre. Visit their main office location to request an initial intake appointment if you would like this support.
Counselling is also available from a Klinic community health counsellor for students who have experienced sexual assault. Visit the Sexual Violence Resource Centre to connect with this support.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call campus security (555 from a campus phone) and/or 911.
For immediate support, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, call the Klinic Sexual Assault Crisis Line at 1-888-292-7565.
For information about supports on campus, please visit Get support.
Self-help resources
The resources listed below are positively regarded within the professional community. Some students may prefer to access these resources prior to seeking professional help, whereas others may use these resources in conjunction with or while awaiting professional help.
Depression resources
Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba
Provides support, information and education to those experiencing depression. Find facts and myths about mood disorders, access services and groups or volunteer your time.
Changeways Clinic
Provides an evidence-based self-care program for depression. Available in multiple languages.
www.changeways.com/clientservices/mood-difficulties.html
Mood GYM
Provides a research-based, self-directed cognitive behaviour therapy program for coping with depression.
Recommended reading
- Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy, by D. Burns
- The Mindful Way through Depression: Freeing Yourself from Chronic Unhappiness, by M. Williams, J. Teasdale, Z. Segal, and J. Kabat-Zinn
Anxiety resources
Anxiety Disorders Association of Manitoba (ADAM)
Self-help, non-profit association offering cognitive behavioural groups, support groups, information, referrals, education and public awareness.
Anxiety B.C. Complete Self-Help Home Toolkit
Provides simple, step-by-step instructions on how to deal with specific issues related to anxiety — such as how to get a good night's sleep or how to deal with uncertainty in your daily life. There are also tips and techniques to help you relax, plan for more healthy living, set goals and change your way of thinking about things.
www.anxietybc.com/resources/selfhelp_home_toolkit.php
Anxiety Disorders Treatment Center of Chapel Hill and Durham
A free self-help site for people suffering from an anxiety disorder, including panic attacks, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Recommended Reading
- 10 Simple Solutions to Panic: How to Overcome Panic Attacks, Calm Physical Symptoms, and Reclaim Your Life, by M. Anthony and R. McCabe
- 10 Simple Solutions to Worry, by K. Gyoerkoe and P. Wiegartz
- Mastery of Your Specific Phobia: Client Workbook (2nd ed.), by M. Antony, M. Craske, and D. Barlow
- Reclaiming Your Life from a Traumatic Experience, by B. Rothbaum, E. Foa, and E. Hembree
- Stop Obsessing! How to Overcome your Obsessions and Compulsions (Rev. ed.), by E. Foa and R. Wilson
- Triumph Over Shyness: Conquering Shyness and Social Anxiety, by M. Stein and J. Walker
Stress resources
Recommended reading
- 10 Simple Solutions to Stress, by C. Wheeler
Self esteem resources
Recommended reading
- 10 Simple Solutions for Building Self-Esteem, by G. Schiraldi
Anger resources
Recommended reading
When Anger Hurts: Quieting the Storm Within, by M. McKay, J. McKay, and P. Rogers
Insomnia and sleep disorder resources
Insomnia recommended reading
- Insomnia Workbook, by C. Morin and S. Silberman
- No More Sleepless Nights Workbook, by P. Hauri and S. Linde
Other sleep problems
Upcoming events
Sessions, workshops, and more
View more eventsOur people
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Jasmine Brar
Administrative Assistant -
Pamela Gordon
Office Assistant -
Danielle Carter (BSW, RSW) (she/her)
Confidential Intake and Triage Specialist -
Aliana Dayrit (BSW, RSW) (she/her)
Confidential Intake and Triage Specialist
Counselling Staff
-
Natasha M. Ali
Ph.D., C. Psych
Counselling Psychologist -
Jacqueline Hogue
MA, Ph.D. Cand.
(she/her) -
Linda Churchill
RMFT
(she/her) -
Chris Edmondstone
Ph.D., C. Psych. (Candidate)
Psychologist Candidate -
Kimberly Kiley
Ph.D., C. Psych
(she/her) -
Danna McDonald
RMFT, RSW
(she/her) -
Lori Mac
Ph,D., C.Psych.
Counselling Psychologist -
Natalia Mozol
M.A. CCC
(she/her) -
Timothy A.G. Osachuk
Ph.D., C. Psych
(he/him/his) -
Michelle Pearson
M.Sc. in Community Clinical Psych. -
Karla Penner
MMFT
(she/her) -
Marlene Pomrenke
M.S.W., Ph.D. -
Noelle Strickland
M.Sc., Ph.D. Cand.
(she/her) -
Donald Stewart
Ph.D., C. Psych
(he/him/his) -
Kayla Tessier
M.S.W., R.S.W.
(she/her)
Contact us
Student Counselling Centre
474 UMSU University Centre
65 Chancellors Circle
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry Campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada
204 474-8592
204 474-7558
Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Bannatyne campus location
S211 Medical Services Building
750 Bannatyne Avenue
University of Manitoba (Bannatyne Campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3E 0W2 Canada
204-272-3190
Please call for hours of operation
Indigenous Student Centre,
Migizii Agamik - Bald Eagle Lodge
114 Sidney Smith Street
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3T 5V6 Canada
204-474-8850
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Contact the SCC office to confirm hours of operation