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 those students experiencing acute 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 ongoing support through community referrals.
Emergency and Support Resources
- Crisis Line: 604.872.3311 (24/7)
- Crisis Chats:
- Suicide Helpline: 1.800.784.2433
- Victim Link (Crisis support for anyone who has experiences violence): 1.800.563.0808
- Vancouver General Hospital Sexual Assault Service: 604.875.4995
- Vancouver General Hospital Access and Assessment Centre for Mental Health and Substance Use Crisis Support and Referral: 604.675.3700
- Women Against Violence Against Women (for women and marginalized genders): 604.255.6344
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
LOOKING FOR A COUNSELLOR?
Counselling BC - http://counsellingbc.com/
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
Longer term counselling will be suggested for ongoing and extensive mental health concerns connected to:
- Diagnosed depression and anxiety
- Addiction
- Alcohol and/or substance abuse
- Eating disorders
- Sexual assault
- Trauma
- Suicidal thoughts
How To Book An Appointment
Please email counsellinginfo@vfs.com.
Counselling appointments are only offered on weekdays between 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. PST, are one hour long, and continue to a maximum of 6-8 sessions. Once we receive your email requesting counselling, we will email you back with a request for your phone number and an indication of your level of urgency to see a counsellor. You will be contacted as soon as an appointment becomes available. Keep in mind, the wait time for an appointment varies but can be anywhere from 2-4 weeks.
You can expect to receive a response within one week of emailing. If you do not hear from us, it means we did not receive your email.
We ask that once you accept a counselling appointment you attend your sessions consistently for the full 6–8-week duration. We take your concerns seriously and in order for this process to be successful, it may take more time and commitment than expected for both the student and counsellor.
If your appointment coincides with a class at VFS, you may request that your counsellor email confirmation of your appointment to your Program Manager so that you have an Excused Absence on your file.
Keep in mind, anything you discuss with your counsellor is confidential, unless there is concern for your safety or the safety of someone else.
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:
- E: studentservices@vfs.com
- T: 604.685.5808 ext 4017
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.