About VFS Counselling

VFS supports the health and well-being of all students. We promote a healthy educational environment and provide responsive and accessible services. All services, programs, and partnerships are designed to enhance student development.

We understand that the full-time, intensive programs at VFS can be very demanding and that this can therefore increase stress. For students experiencing challenges, VFS offers short-term counselling, support, and referrals. Our aim is to support students while they regain clarity, healthy coping, and rekindle self-potential in attaining their academic and life goals. For those students who require longer-term or in-depth support, VFS counselling can assist with community referrals.

Emergency and Support Resources

  • Crisis Line: 604.872.3311 (24/7)
  • Crisis Chats:
  • BC Suicide Helpline: 1.800.784.2433
  • National Suicide Helpline: Dial 9-8-8
  • Victim Link (Crisis support for anyone who has experiences violence): 1.800.563.0808
  • Vancouver General Hospital Access and Assessment Centre for Mental Health and Substance Use Crisis Support and Referral: 604.675.3700
  • Salal Sexual Violence Support Centre 24-hour Crisis & Information Line (for women, trans, nonbinary, Two-Spirit, and gender diverse people) : 604.255.6344 or 1.877.392.7583

 

Medical Emergency: Dial 9-1-1

Fire ∙ Police ∙ Ambulance

911 is available in 140 languages

 

Hospitals

Vancouver General Hospital: 855 West 12th Ave Vancouver, B.C. 604.875.4111

St. Paul’s Hospital: 1081 Burrard St Vancouver, B.C. 604.682.2344

 

Additional Resources

ANXIETY

Anxiety BC - https://www.anxietycanada.com/

DEPRESSION

Here to Help - http://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/

OTHER MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES

Canadian Mental Health Association – http://www.cmha.ca/

Mood Disorders Association of BC - http://www.mdabc.net/

Here2Talk – https://here2talk.ca

Canada-wide toll free, dial: 1-877-857-3397 or 604-642-5212

SUICIDE PREVENTION

The Crisis Centre - https://crisiscentre.bc.ca/

LGBTQ

Qmunity - http://qmunity.ca/

EATING DISORDERS

Looking Glass Foundation of BC - http://www.lookingglassbc.com/

SEXUAL HARASSMENT

REES (Respect, Educate, Empower Survivors) - https://www.reescommunity.com/campus

GENDER-BASED AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE

Ending Violence Association of BC - https://endingviolence.org/

Salal Sexual Violence Support Centre - https://www.salalsvsc.ca/

LOOKING FOR A COUNSELLOR OUTSIDE OF VFS?

Counselling BC - http://counsellingbc.com/

BC Association of Clinical Counsellors - https://bcacc.ca/counsellors/

Counselling and Wellness at VFS

Short-term confidential counselling is available to help students manage their personal well-being. Referrals to external counsellors can be made for students requiring long-term support.

Personal counselling topics may include:

  • Homesickness, adapting, cultural transitions
  • Low motivation, perfectionism, procrastination, and time management
  • Stress management
  • Self-esteem & identity
  • Developing assertiveness skills
  • Relationship difficulties
  • Grief and loss
  • Problematic substance use

Longer term counselling or other mental health supports will be suggested for concerns or struggles beyond the capacity or outside of the scope of our counselling program. Examples might include

  • Any diagnostic or assessment services
  • Medication prescription or management
  • Acute problematic substance use or addiction
  • Detox or addiction treatment services

Counselling appointments are offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. PST, are one hour long, and continue up to a maximum 6 sessions. 

Anything  you discuss with your counsellor will be held confidential within counselling team, unless there is concern for your safety or the safety of someone else, or in very specific circumstances which your counsellor will discuss with you.

How To Book An Appointment

Please email [email protected], and include the following information: 

  • A phone number we can reach you at
  • Your VFS program and graduation date
  • Confirmation that you would like to be able to book a counselling session

Once we receive your email requesting counselling, we will create an account for you in Jane, our online scheduling system, and invite you to log on add your name to the waitlist for a short intake session. During your intake session, you will be informed about availability to start your sessions and you may be able to schedule your first session.

Please keep in mind, that the wait time to start your counselling sessions can vary anywhere from 2-4 weeks depending on the waitlist.
 
If your counselling appointment coincides with a class at VFS, your absence from class will be excused by informing your instructor or requesting that your counsellor email your Program Manager.

 

Student Services

Not sure if you need a counselling appointment? Are you worried about a classmate? Please email or call Student Services.

  • Student Services Contact:
  • Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.