The Campus Activity Board (CAB) provides innovative and engaging programming to Carleton students. CAB is led by students who plan, promote, execute and evaluate a diverse range of events and activities.

Carleton University has introduced a harm reduction program in collaboration with Algonquin College called the CU Umbrella Project. Carleton University’s harm reduction strategy aims to reduce stigma and promote safer substance use through education, outreach, and support. CU Umbrella Project seeks to create a safer space for discussions of the impacts of substances on campus and provides resources to reduce the potential for harms caused by substance use.

The First Year Connections program helps first year students make a successful transition to university life by preparing them to achieve their personal and academic goals.

The Gender and Sexuality Resource Centre (GSRC) aims to be a safe(r) space for Carleton students of all gender identities and sexual orientations through education, advocacy, and support.

Follow the GSRC on Instagram.

The Graduate Students’ Association (GSA) offers services, advocacy, and community for over 3,900 graduate students at Carleton University. The GSA provides a number of support options for graduate students along with many opportunities to get involved.

This workshop series offers skills in mindfulness and meditation. Beyond simply decreasing your stress, this course offers approaches and skills to help you find more satisfaction in your daily life. The course, consisting of four classes, is designed to help you learn mindfulness through the practice of specific skills that calm and focus your mind; and through the practice of meditation. If you are feeling pressured and stressed, or just interested in learning a new skill that can enrich your life, this series is for you!

The Mawandoseg Centre aims to be a safe(r) space for Indigenous students at Carleton and works to address the specific needs of the various Indigenous communities in and around the university. The Centre is also the leading point of contact for non-Indigenous students looking to connect and learn more about Indigenous cultures and histories.

Follow Mawandoseg Centre on Instagram.

The Carleton University Spirituality Centre aims to incorporate the respectfully inclusive and welcoming nature of the space that we provide for all people, regardless of faith affiliation. We are excited to be part of the vibrant and diverse campus and city where we recognize, respect, and value the unique worth of every individual.

The Wellness Centre is CUSA’s peer-to-peer mentorship centre, focusing on helping students care for their physical, mental and emotional health. Visit the Wellness Centre for a variety of support services and programming, including workshops, events, and peer support.

Follow the Wellness Centre on Instagram.

Sometimes you just need to spend some time with a happy, friendly dog to help melt your stress away. Our therapy dogs are here with their owners who are Carleton University staff and faculty, and they have all been trained and evaluated to become official Carleton Therapy Dog team members. Both the dog and the handler are here to comfort and provide support to help you thrive as a university student.

The Carleton Awards Office assists students with finding financial aid, including scholarships and bursaries, Indigenous and disability-specific student awards, budgeting and personal finance workshops, resources and tips, work-study programming, OSAP assistance, and much more.

Good2Talk provides confidential support services for post-secondary students living in Ontario and Nova Scotia. This free service is available by phone (1-866-925-5454) or text (text GOOD2TALKON to 686868) where students can receive information and referrals about services and supports for mental health, addictions and well-being on and off campus and speak anonymously with a professional counsellor.

The Indigenous Peer Mentor Program helps first-year students transition to university life by promoting student engagement and a sense of belonging on campus. It provides support for first-year, self-identified Indigenous students by matching them with experienced Indigenous students who act as mentors. The program provides members with social, academic, and cultural development, peer-to-peer support, and activities to support community building and growth.

The International Student Services Office (ISSO) offers services and programs that contribute to positive international experiences for all Carleton students. We are dedicated to helping international and exchange students adjust to life in Canada and to helping them get the most out of their student experience. The ISSO supports and encourages Carleton students in gaining international exposure both locally and abroad through volunteer opportunities, international internships and co-op, and participation in exchange or study abroad programs.

One-on-one Learning Support Sessions are available to any Carleton student who is looking to develop skills that can help them achieve academic success. Some common sessions topics include time management, procrastination, academic reading, note-taking, memory, concentration, exam preparation, and more.

To learn more about the programs and services offered, please visit the Centre for Student Academic Support website or connect by email.

Wellness Together Canada believes wellness is a journey, not a destination—and every day, we can each take a step toward our own well-being. Wellness Together Canada is here to support you on that journey. Visit their website to learn more about free and confidential personalized support for mental health and substance use including interactive apps and tools.

The Academic Advising Centre’s (AAC) primary focus is to support undergraduate and special students in achieving academic success. The AAC offers advising sessions for students who are experiencing academic difficulty, need assistance understanding their academic audit, want to ensure they are fulfilling their degree program‚ academic requirements or have been placed on Academic Warning.

AccessMHA makes it easier to help find mental health and/or substance use support, services, and care. AccessMHA works with you to refer you to the services you need and supports you through the process. You will be paired with a trained mental health and addiction professional who will connect you to the services you need from a network of partner organizations. AccessMHA is for those 16 years and older who live in eastern Ontario.

Carleton University has partnered with the Community Addictions Peer Support Association (CAPSA) to bring weekly support meetings for those affected by substance use and addiction to campus. All People All Pathways is a peer support group facilitated by individuals with lived or living experience with substance use and addiction. There are separate groups for students and faculty/staff and these meetings will run weekly.

BounceBack® is a free skill-building program managed by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA). It is a guided self-help program for those experiencing mild-to-moderate anxiety or depression; or may be feeling worried, stressed, low, and a range of other emotions. BounceBack includes one-on-one telephone counselling, workbooks, and videos to help overcome these symptoms and gain new skills to build positive mental health. Delivered over the phone with a coach and through online videos, you will get access to tools that will support you on your path to mental wellness.

Community Connections is a mentorship program designed to provide students with a customized peer support program. The program is open to anyone who may be looking for more support through a transition they may be having during their university experience. Students who participate in Community Connections will be able to access peer support on an ongoing basis, further understand resources and services on campus and how they are operating virtually, participate in activities designed to further enhance a sense of belonging on campus and discuss challenges, highlights, goals, and areas of growth with a trained peer mentor.

All Carleton undergraduate students now have access to additional support through Empower Me, a mental health and wellness service that seeks to contribute to a resilient student community by supporting existing on-campus and Studentcare mental health resources.

Empower Me has a number of professionals with various domains of expertise, including psychology, psychotherapy, social work, nutrition, etc., to support you and respond effectively to diverse needs. You can access services via telephone, videoconference, or in-person (when permitted in accordance with public health guidelines and COVID-19 advisories).

Empower Me is:

• Available 24/7, 365 days a year
• Confidential
• Multilingual
• Culturally sensitive
• Gender inclusive
• Faith inclusive

Using Empower Me

Empower Me is a confidential support service available 24/7, 365 days a year. No issue is too big or too small—regardless of what you’re experiencing, you’re not alone.

You can get support for issues of any kind, such as:

• Stress or anxiety
• Depression
• Relationships or interpersonal conflicts
• Family responsibilities
• Substance misuse/abuse
• Disordered eating
• Time management
• Career counselling
• Financial planning or financial insecurity
• Nutrition, and more

Connect with Empower Me

Call 1-833-628-5589 (toll-free), available 24/7 from anywhere in Canada or the US. See the FAQ for additional helpline numbers for international access.

EAP Optima Mobile App
You can also connect with Empower Me through the EAP Optima mobile app, available for download from the App Store and Google Play. With the app, you can:

• Chat with a counsellor
• Consult professionals via video conferencing appointments
• Call the 24/7 helpline
• Access other health and wellness resources
• To create your account on the app, use access code 45295QG34. See the step-by-step guide to creating an account.

The From Intention to Action (FITA) program supports undergraduate and graduate students in the often stressful university experience.

Body Brave helps individuals recover from eating disorders. Body Brave is a charitable organization with a community of volunteers, students, healthcare providers, parents, and donors. At Body Brave, all are welcome; they are a weight inclusive and 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusive community. Body Brave services are for those 17 years of age and older, free of charge or covered by OHIP.

Carleton’s Counselling Services provides counselling services for Carleton students which can be accessed by appointment or by walk-in. Same-day counselling appointments connect students with a counsellor who can offer urgent care and support, problem-solving and guidance, or referral and assistance in finding the services students need, which may include ongoing counselling or referral and connection to other campus or community supports. If you would like to talk with a counsellor, please call 613-520-6674 to speak with our Patient Care Coordinator who will set up your file and send you an intake form to complete before your call with our Intake Counsellor.

Hopewell offers support to individuals struggling with an eating disorder as well as their families and friends. Hopewell is dedicated to offering support, information, and hope to anyone affected by eating disorders. Additionally, Hopewell engages in pre-emptive practices by helping people understand eating disorders and the importance of healthy attitudes towards body image, eating, and physical activity.

Health and Counselling Service is a multidisciplinary healthcare facility that provides medical services to Carleton University students, faculty, and staff. Students can access medical, lab, and counselling appointments, as well as urgent same-day appointments between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, by calling 613-520-6674. An appointment is necessary for most visits and is suggested for the following: STI testing (non-symptomatic) and results; birth control; prescription renewals; and referrals to specialists.

Mood Disorders Ottawa (MDO) is a registered nonprofit, volunteer-run organization that supports people with mood disorders and their loved ones. MDO offers support to improve the quality of lives and works to create opportunities to reconnect with oneself and others. MDO provides resources, programs, support groups, and social and recreational activities for members and their families and friends.

Ombuds Services is an independent office whose primary role is to ensure fairness for undergraduate and graduate students at Carleton University. They provide support, information, and guidance for students facing challenges, such as academic integrity violations (cheating, plagiarism, etc.), misconduct, harassment, sexual violence, issues with housing/landlords, problems with courses or faculty or staff, grade appeals, university administration, student accounts, scholarships, financial aid, awards, etc. Whenever possible, they attempt to resolve issues informally. Their services are completely confidential.

Students can connect with Ombuds Services by email or the Ombuds Services website. Ombuds Services is also on Reddit and Instagram @CUOmbuds.

The Paul Menton Centre is the designated department at Carleton coordinating disability services on campus. The PMC works with the Carleton community to increase accessibility and integration for students with disabilities. The PMC provides services and accommodations to Carleton students with documented disabilities.

Rideauwood offers over fifteen programs for clients including youth and young adults, adults, families, parents and support persons. Programs at Rideauwood help individuals in the community explore substance use, behavioral addictions and mental health issues. There are both harm reduction and abstinence program options.

Individuals who disclose that they have experienced sexual violence will be provided support services and will be treated with dignity and respect at all times by the University and its representatives. A person affected by sexual violence is not required to report an incident of or make a complaint about sexual violence under the formal complaint process of the Sexual Violence Policy in order to obtain support and services, or in order to receive appropriate accommodation for their needs.

The supports and services available at the University to obtain information about sexual violence and/or support are as follows:

Support and services available from the University:

Sexual Assault Support Centre
613-520-5622
carleton.ca/equity

Health and Counselling Services
Sexual Assault/Trauma Counsellor
613-520-6674
carleton.ca/health

Campus Safety Services
General inquiries: 613-520-3612
Emergencies: 613-520-4444
carleton.ca/safety

Support and services available from off-campus providers:

Ottawa Police Service
General Inquiries: 613-236-1222
www.ottawapolice.ca

Ottawa Rape Crisis Centre
24 hour crisis line: 613-562-2333
General inquiries: 613-562-2334
www.orcc.net

Sexual Assault Support Centre of Ottawa
24 hour support line: 613-234-2266
General Inquiries: 613-725-9259

Sexual Assault and Partner Abuse Program at the Civic Campus of the Ottawa Hospital
613-798-5555 x 13770

Carleton’s Counselling Services provides counselling services for Carleton students which can be accessed by appointment or by walk-in. Same-day counselling appointments connect students with a counsellor who can offer urgent care and support, problem-solving and guidance, or referral and assistance in finding the services students need, which may include ongoing counselling or referral and connection to other campus or community supports. If you would like to talk with a counsellor, please call 613-520-6674 to speak with our Patient Care Coordinator who will set up your file and send you an intake form to complete before your call with our Intake Counsellor.

Health and Counselling Service is a multidisciplinary healthcare facility that provides medical services to Carleton University students, faculty, and staff. Students can access medical, lab, and counselling appointments, as well as urgent same-day appointments between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, by calling 613-520-6674. An appointment is necessary for most visits and is suggested for the following: STI testing (non-symptomatic) and results; birth control; prescription renewals; and referrals to specialists.

Professional support for individuals who are experiencing or know someone who is experiencing a mental health crisis. Call 613-722-6914 (within Ottawa), or toll-free 1-866-996-0991 (outside Ottawa).

This 24/7 crisis line is for Indigenous youth and is available for residents of Canada and the United States. Call 1-877-209-1266.

This local connection to mental health support and resources is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The distress/help line: Emotional support and encouragement, crisis management and intervention, suicide risk assessment and prevention, community resources, and referral information. Crisis line: provides services for those experiencing a situational crisis, psychosis or suicidal behaviour and severe depression or anxiety.

The Ottawa Rape Crisis Centre (ORCC) supports and empowers trans and cis women, trans men, two-spirit, gender-fluid, and non-binary survivors. If you need immediate emotional support, please call the crisis line at 613-562-2333. Help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Ottawa Victim Services (OVS) provides emotional support, practical assistance, referrals and advocacy to individuals who have been victimized as a result of a crime or tragic circumstance, without judgment in order to lessen the impact of victimization. OVS is a community-based agency committed to treating individuals with courtesy, compassion and with respect for their dignity, privacy and diversity.

Psychiatric Survivors of Ottawa offers peer and family peer support, public education, volunteer opportunities, connecting to other community services and much more to people experiencing mental health challenges and their families. Their services are free and do not require a referral.

If you’re having thoughts of suicide, or are worried about someone else, Talk Suicide is here to listen. Connect to a crisis responder for help without judgment. Call 1-833-456-4566 toll-free, any time – or text 45645 from 4:00 p.m. to midnight ET.

The Sexual Assault Support Center (SASC) is a community-based organization that supports all womyn: cis or trans, immigrant, aboriginal, queer, differently-abled, womyn of colour, survivors of war and torture. They provide survivor-directed support services by womyn, to womyn who have experienced sexual violence. Call 613-234-2266 for 24/7 confidential support.