Counselling Services
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.
As of September 2022, services are now available virtually and in-person. See our FAQs for more information.
For counselling at Trent Durham, click here.
Services and Supports
Trent Counselling Services uses a stepped care model to guide the services and supports we offer to students. Services are short-term in nature and come in a range of options, from self-directed resources to intensive community-based supports.
Crisis Support
Support for students experiencing a crisis is available during business hours. Need to speak with someone today? Email crisis@trentu.ca or browse our list of crisis resources. If there is an emergency and you require immediate assistance, please contact Trent Security, phone 911, or go to your nearest hospital.
Self-Help Resources
Students are encouraged to explore self-help and informational resources as a first-step toward feeling better. Trent offers a collection of print and online materials related to mental health, including access to Therapy Assisted Online (TAO). See 'Additional Options' below for a list of online and community resources. Unsure which resources are best for you? Book an appointment with a therapist to explore your options.
Groups and Workshops
Therapeutic groups and educational workshops on mental health-related topics are available on an occasional basis. Check here for a listing of our current groups and workshops.
Single Session Therapy
Students may consider this option if they are seeking momentary support without the need for ongoing brief therapy. A single session typically lasts 60-90 minutes. Available September - April.
Brief Therapy
Brief therapy is free-of-charge and confidential. Book an appointment with a therapist to explore the options that are best for you. Therapeutic supports are typically short-term using the stepped care model.
Support for Racialized Students
Racialized students may choose to access brief therapy and related supports from the Racialized Student Therapist. A special initiative at Trent University, this position offers supports that are specifically geared toward and reflect the experiences of racialized students.
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.
Private Therapy with Student Health Benefits
Student health benefits ($500) to use toward psychotherapy/counselling. If you have opted out of health benefits, you may have additional coverage through a guardian/parent’s health plan.
Peer Support
Connect with a Peer Supporter to help navigate your wellness options and/or receive peer support.
2SLGBTQ+ Support
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.