International students living abroad

Undergraduate students

• International students have access to support by phone 24/7, 365 days a year from 22 countries outside of Canada (see the FAQfor the list of numbers) with Empower Me via your UOSU membership. Videoconferencing is also available upon request after an initial consultation.
• If you need access from countries other than the countries listed here, simply email: [email protected]. Please note that the mobile app is only available for download in Canada.

Graduate students

• 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.

For 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 normally residing in Canada but are currently outside of the country (i.e., for an exchange programme, fieldwork, etc.).

As of March 25, 2020, students 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 videocall

You have access to in-house counsellors who will welcome you in an accessible, non-judgmental, objective and totally confidential manner, no matter what the issue.

To access uOttawa Counselling Services, you can book a single session appointment online or email us at [email protected].

If so, you have access to direct mental health support with a dedicated counsellor working with Common Law students. To make an appointment, you can book a single session appointment online or email us at [email protected].

You can also access your very own Member Assistance Program (MAP) for counselling services and meet with a counsellor within 48 hours.

If so, you have access to a maximum of 10 counselling sessions with your own Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP).

You can schedule an appointment with a counsellor and get access to tools and resources.

Graduate students from the Faculty of Medicine

Contact the Faculty Wellness Program to book an appointment.

If so, you have access to direct mental health support with a dedicated counsellor working with graduate students in the Faculty of Social Sciences. To make an appointment, you can book a single session appointment online or email us at [email protected].

You also have access to a maximum of 10 counselling sessions with your own Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP).

If so, you can access your very own Wellness Program. 

• Undergraduate Medical Students
  Book an appointment with the Student Affairs Office
• Graduate students, residents and TMM students
  Contact the Faculty Wellness Program to book an appointment

If so, you have access to direct mental health support with Anna Abraham, Varsity Mental Health Coordinator and Registered Psychotherapist. You can schedule a session by emailing her at [email protected].

1. Downloading and launch the UpPatient app from Google Play or Apple Store.
2. Search and select the " uOttawa | Centre de santé et mieux-être étudiant / Student Health and Wellness Centre"
3. Create your account. For more information on how to create your account, consult the UpPatient Help article (in English only). Please note that the help features on the app are available in English only.

• We release time slots a few days in advance, and they may book up quickly. If you are unable to book an appointment online, please call the Centre directly. However, there is no guarantee of appointment availability.
• Remember to always have your health card (or UHIP number if you’re an international student) and student card handy when booking and attending your appointment.
• For more information regarding protection of your health information, please consult the Student Health and Wellness Centre Public Notice in accordance with the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA).
• Students enrolled with the University of Ottawa or Saint Paul University have access to all services at the Student Health and Wellness Centre (some exceptions apply). Please consult the Student Eligibility for Care Policy.

A missed appointment is:

•  not showing up for a scheduled appointment and not notifying the Centre, or
• cancelling an appointment within 24 hours (see the “Fees” page).
• For more information consult the missed appointment policy document.

If you are unable to attend your scheduled appointment, contact our Centre right away at 613-562-5498 or send an email to [email protected]. Since appointments are in high demand, your quick cancellation will give another student the opportunity to access timely care.

Your scheduled appointment time is reserved just for you. Our providers make every effort to be on time for scheduled appointments. In return, we ask that you help us by keeping your scheduled appointments and by notifying us in advance when you are unable to do so. When you give us advanced notice, we are able to accommodate other students.

Appointment Reminder:

As a courtesy, the Centre sends appointment reminders via email or text messages for all scheduled appointments. If you do not receive appointment reminders, you are still responsible for arriving on time.