On campus immediate safety concerns support:
613-562-5411
Protection Services can locate you quickly in the event of an emergency 24/7.
Off-campus immediate safety concerns support:
9-1-1
Immediate wellness support
Need to speak to someone right away? 24/7 help is available for everyone in the uOttawa community, choose your preferred option below.
Immediate safety concerns
Immediate help available
In Ontario
- Good2talk, the Post-Secondary Student Helpline – 24/7 (bilingual): call 1-866-925-5454 or text GOOD2TALKON to 686868. (For French, text ALLOJECOUTEONto the same number)
- Ottawa Distress Centre - 24/7 (bilingual): in Ottawa and region, call 613-238-3311 | in Gatineau and region, call 1-866-676-1080
In Quebec
- Assocation québécoise de prévention du suicide – 24/7 (bilingual): call 1-866-APPELLE (this centralized number will connect you to the service for your region).
- Tel-Aide Outaouais - 24/7 (French): in Gatineau and region, call 819-775-3223 | in Ottawa and region, call 613-741-6433 | Toll-free: 1-800-567-9699
In Canada
- Crisis Text Line – 24/7 (bilingual): text CONNECT to 686868 from anywhere in Canada; no need for a data plan or Internet connection (for French, text PARLER to the same number).
- Suicide Crisis Helpline - 24/7(bilingual): call or text 988
International
Undergraduate students
- You have access to support 24/7, 365 days a year from 22 countries outside of Canada with Empower Me via your UOSU membership (see the FAQ for the list of numbers). Videoconferencing is also available upon request after an initial consultation.
- If you need access from countries other than the countries listed, simply send an email. Please note that the mobile app is only available for download in Canada.
Graduate students
- Via GSAED, graduate students have free access to the Mindstride Student Health Program, a bilingual service available 24/7/365. Physical and mental health care are available, including online and/or in-person access to nurse practitioners, doctors, specialists counselors, and wellness programs.
Canadian Citizens Travelling Abroad: Access to Counselling via International SOS
The University of Ottawa has partnered with International SOS to support registered uOttawa students who are Canadian citizens are normally residing in Canada but are currently outside of the country (i.e. for an exchange programme, fieldwork, etc.).
You can:
- Contact 1-215-942-8226 or,
- Download the Assistance App and identify their institution.
International SOS:
- Offers 24/7 support, every day of the year
- Offers support in over 60 languages
- Provides an assessment
- Offers psychotherapy via telephone or video call
Empower Me (undergraduate)
To get support or to make an appointment for psychotherapy, delivered in person, by telephone, by video, or by e-therapy, you need to create an account on the website or on the Dialogue mobile app that you can download on App store or Google play.
You can also see a private psychotherapist or psychologist and get a certain amount reimbursed via your health plan.
Mindstride Student Health Program
- Physical and mental health care available to uOttawa graduate students, including online and/or in-person access to nurse practitioners, doctors, specialists counselors, and wellness programs
- Available 24/7, 365 days a year
- Bilingual (French and English)
Employee and Family Assistance Program
Faculty and staff members may contact TELUS Health (formerly LifeWorks), the University’s Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) for 24/7 assistance either by phone at 1-844-880-9142 or through the TELUS Health online platform.