Mental Health Service

The McGill Student Mental Health Service offers a range of psychological and psychiatric services for all McGill students who have paid their Student Services fees. The service strives to provide a secure, non-judgmental space for students of all orientations and backgrounds. A team of psychiatrists and psychologists are available by appointment for assessment and treatment of many conditions which may interfere with psychological well-being.

Students suffering from problems with anxiety, depression, problems with sleep, attention, obsessions or concentration, relationship difficulties, eating disorders, severe winter blues, etc., may make an appointment by phone or in person. Appointments are usually available within two weeks of initial contact. All contacts are completely confidential.

The Mental Health field can be very confusing for the consumer. Therapists with varied orientations appear to be vying for dominance of treatment modalities. Everyone appears to be seeking quick, cheap fixes for problems which are often quite complex.
Every few years there seems to be a new fad diagnosis or medication. At the McGill Student Mental Health Service we believe that students deserve individualized professional attention based on solid clinical principles and up-to-date developments in the field. Sometimes severe distress may have relatively simple causes and solutions. Other times problems are more complex, and need more time and effort to resolve.
There is no one approach or treatment modality which is suited to all types of problems or individuals. While there are highly effective medications available to treat various disorders, there are no magic pills which will obliterate all of one's problems.
The decision of whether to focus on treating specific symptoms, or whether to explore underlying causes of problems, or to do both simultaneously, has to be made between the student and the treating professional.

The Mental Health Service offers a broad range of treatment modalities to students, and can refer students if more specialized treatments are indicated. Due to service demands, long term psychotherapy is not usually available.

Security Services

Click here if you observe student behaviour that requires intervention

Emergency services are available, at the Mental Health Service, Monday-Friday from 9:00 to 3:30.Students who drop in due to an urgent situation will be seen briefly and given a follow-up appointment or referral as appropriate.
Letters will generally not be given at an emergency visits. The Counselling Service is also available, providing daily intake sessions for non-emergency visits.
For emergencies evenings, nights and weekends, the Montreal General Hospital provides service for students living in the McGill area. You can reach them here: 514-934-1934 x42216.
If you need some quick advice, call McGill's Nightline at 514-398-MAIN(6246).
For issues of sexual assault, visit The Sexual Assault Centre of McGill a.k.a. SACOMSS.
For issues of gender or sexuality, contact Queerline McGill at 514-398-6822.