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 connecting them with peer mentors who are trained in providing resources and support.

The Gender and Sexuality Resource Centre aims to create a safe(r) environment for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community on campus through education, advocacy and unwavering support.

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.

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.

Student Support Abroad

Good2Talk offers Ontario post-secondary students who are outside of the country free, confidential support, 24/7. Connect with Good2Talk’s Student Support Abroad to connect about any issue, big or small.

The Indigenous Peer Mentor Program helps first-year students transition to university life by promoting student engagement and a sense of belonging on campus. This program matches new self-identified Indigenous students at Carleton with experienced Indigenous students who act as mentors. The mentorship program offers four streams: Carleton Peer Mentorship, Indigenous Enriched Support Program (IESP), and Community Partners.

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 to help them achieve academic success. Some of the most common topics that are covered in these sessions include: time management, procrastination, academic reading, note-taking and exam preparation.

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 is a group for post-secondary students weekly on Mondays from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Open community meeting session info is available on the CAPSA website.

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.

Empower Me has changed service providers and now offers all sessions virtually.

Carleton undergraduate students 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 mental health resources.

Empower Me has a number of professionals with various domains of expertise, including mental health, family and relationships, career counselling, financial planning, and more, to support you and respond effectively to diverse needs. Empower Me offers:

• Confidential service
• Appointments available in as little as 24 hours or the next day
• Immediate access to clinicians for crisis situations
• Continuity of care with the option to continue with the same counsellor, and follow-ups after each session with the same care plan

Using Empower Me

Empower Me is a confidential support service available 24/7, 365 days a year in English and French. 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
• LGBTQ+ services
• Financial issues
• Relationship difficulties
• Nutrition issues and more

Connect with Empower Me

Create an account on the Dialogue mobile app or on the Dialogue webpage.

You’ll need the following information to create your account:

• Email
• First name
• Last name
• Date of birth

If you’re unable to create your account, you’ll be asked to enter access code SAP42023.

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.

At Health and Counselling Services (HCS), counselling staff are available to help students with personal and emotional difficulties.

Our Intake Counsellor will meet with you to discuss your concerns and goals for counselling, and will pair you with resources based on your unique needs ensuring a holistic approach. We have a Crisis Counsellor for urgent/same day support (trauma, suicidal thoughts). We offer short-term individual counselling for students struggling with many challenges such as anxiety, depression, relationship problems, sexual violence, racism, and personal and academic stress. Health and Counselling Services offers a variety of specialized counsellors. Intake appointments are now available to book online.

Residence Counselling: HCS also has counsellors located in Residence during the fall and winter terms for students living on campus. Call 613-520-2600 ext. 8061 to book an appointment.

If you need crisis or urgent counselling support, please call our office at 613-520-6674 and inform the Patient Care Coordinator, or come in person to our main clinic (2600 Carleton Technology and Training Centre Building) and indicate you are in crisis.

All health records are confidential.

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 Services (HCS) offers a combination of medical care and mental health services. Students can access medical as well as urgent same day appointments between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Monday to Friday. Visit the booking page to learn how to book an appointment.

If you need urgent support, come in person to our main clinic (2600 Carleton Technology and Training Centre Building) and indicate that you are in crisis.

All health records are confidential.

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

People across Canada can call and text 9-8-8, a new three-digit service, for help when they need it most. 9-8-8 will be for anyone in Canada who is thinking about suicide, or who is worried about someone they know.

At Health and Counselling Services (HCS), counselling staff are available to help students with personal and emotional difficulties.

Our Intake Counsellor will meet with you to discuss your concerns and goals for counselling, and will pair you with resources based on your unique needs ensuring a holistic approach. We have a Crisis Counsellor for urgent/same day support (trauma, suicidal thoughts). We offer short-term individual counselling for students struggling with many challenges such as anxiety, depression, relationship problems, sexual violence, racism, and personal and academic stress. Health and Counselling Services offers a variety of specialized counsellors. Intake appointments are now available to book online.

Residence Counselling: HCS also has counsellors located in Residence during the fall and winter terms for students living on campus. Call 613-520-2600 ext. 8061 to book an appointment.

If you need crisis or urgent counselling support, please call our office at 613-520-6674 and inform the Patient Care Coordinator, or come in person to our main clinic (2600 Carleton Technology and Training Centre Building) and indicate you are in crisis.

All health records are confidential.

Health and Counselling Services (HCS) offers a combination of medical care and mental health services. Students can access medical as well as urgent same day appointments between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Monday to Friday. Visit the booking page to learn how to book an appointment.

If you need urgent support, come in person to our main clinic (2600 Carleton Technology and Training Centre Building) and indicate that you are in crisis.

All health records are confidential.

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.