Immediate 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

On campus:

  • 613-562-5411

  • Protection Services can locate you quickly in the event of an emergency 24/7.

Off-campus

  • 9-1-1

Immediate help available

  • Crisis Text Line – 24/7 (bilingual): text HOME to 686868 from anywhere in Canada; no need for a data plan or Internet connection (for French, text PARLER to the same number).
  • Crisis Services Canada –24/7(bilingual): call 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645 (between 4 p.m. and 12 a.m. ET) (English only).
  • You have access to support by phone 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 email: [email protected]. Please note that the mobile app is only available for download in Canada.
  • Via GSAED, graduate students have free access to the Student Support Program 24/7/365 to speak to a counsellor immediately 1-855-649-8641 (from Canada or the United States), or to make an appointment for telephone, e-counselling and other options such as web-based chat.
  • If you need access from other countries, visit the SSP Website (just type in University of Ottawa or GSAÉD to identify your institution) to organise access to the service via electronic chat or email.

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 counselling via telephone or video call

Empower Me (undergraduate)

Did you know that undergraduate students can speak to a counsellor immediately, 24/7, 365?
Help from Empower Me

Call 1-844-741-6389 for immediate support or to make an appointment with a counsellor, delivered in person, by telephone, by video-counselling, or by e-counselling.

You can also see a private psychotherapist or psychologist and get a certain amount reimbursed via your health plan.

My SSP (support for graduate students)

Did you know that graduate students can speak to a counsellor immediately, 24/7, 365?
Get support from My SSP

Call 1-855-649-8641 for immediate support or to make an appointment with a counsellor, delivered in person, by telephone, by video-counselling, or by e-counselling.

You can also see a private psychotherapist or psychologist and get a certain amount reimbursed via your health plan.

Employee and Family Assistance Program

Did you know that Faculty and staff members may contact TELUS Health (formerly LifeWorks) for 24/7 assistance?
Get assistance from TELUS Health (formerly LifeWorks)

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.

Case management (student support)

The Student Support team offers non-clinical case management services to students with complex needs at the University of Ottawa. Their goal is to provide students with an integrated approach to managing their complex academic, health, or personal needs.
Learn more