Counselling/Mental health and wellness
Community mental health resources and counselling supports for students
- 211
- Drug/Alcohol Helpline: 1.800.565.8603
- Good2Talk Helpline, available 24/7/365: 1.866.925.5454
- MyWellness – Video counselling
- Simcoe County Crisis: 705.728.5044
- Telecare: 705.325.5578
Barrie
- Catholic Family Services: 705.726.2503
- CMHA: 705-726-5033
- Students can also walk-in at 88 Mulcaster St. – there is an “on duty” person (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) to help direct people to resources in the community
- John Howard Society Barrie Office: 80 Bradford St., Unit 336: 705.733.0683
- New Path, 165 Ferris Lane: 705.725.7656
- walk-in clinics
- Youth Haven:20-22 Wellington St. E, 705.739.7616 or 1.877.989.9995
Orillia
- CMHA: 76 Nottawasaga St, 705.329.5846
- Catholic Family Services: 705.726.2503
- John Howard Society Barrie office: 17 Colborne St. E., Unit 109: 705.325.6561
- New Path: 169 Front St. S., 705.325.6161
Owen Sound Campus
- Mental Health Crisis Line of Grey and Bruce: 1.877.470.5200
- Drop-in Clinic: 1024 2nd Ave. E., (every Thursday, 1 to 3 p.m.). No appointment necessary. Services provided in collaboration with CMHA and Grey Bruce Health Services
Supporting student success and resilience
What is Counselling Services?
Our priority is to support your general well-being and positive mental health. All Georgian College students have free, confidential access to professional counsellors. Counsellors discuss personal and mental health concerns that are impacting your life and/or academics.
How can counselling help?
- clarify the problem that is impacting on your life and explore solutions for addressing the distress.
- learn new ways of communicating that can benefit your important relationships.
- plan ways to promote your mental wellness.
- discuss ways to strengthen your transition to college life.
Counsellor records are strictly confidential and can be shared only with appropriate individuals with your signed consent.
What is case management?
The case manager co-ordinates support for students who are experiencing complex mental health or substance use issues that impact on their academic and personal success.
For students who are in crisis or who are dealing with time-sensitive issues, drop-in counsellors are available either in person or by phone Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The case manager works collaboratively with the student, campus and community partners to address issues that present a significant barrier to the student achieving their goals.
To find out more about case management services, please contact Student Success at 705.722.1523.
What is mental health?
Mental health is the capacity for each us to feel, think, and act in ways that enhance our ability to enjoy life and meet the challenges we face.
Why is mental health important?
Mental health problems can cause people to feel alienated, cause anger, fear, sadness and feelings of helplessness if the person does not know or understand what is happening.
At Georgian, we have a responsibility to provide a safe and caring community on campus. We are committed to promoting student mental health at all campuses.
Mindfulness drop-in programs at Georgian College
Stressed out? Mindfulness meditation is proven to reduce anxiety and stress.
Mindfulness is a practice anyone can do that simply involves paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment and non-judgementally. In other words, we practise bringing complete attention to the present moment, each moment, so that you can ground yourself in the present and stop worrying about the future or fretting about the past.
All are welcome! Contact the Barrie Athletic Centre for details.
Mindfulness drop-in
- Tuesdays: 4 to 4:50 p.m.
- Thursdays: 4 to 4:50 p.m.
Drop by the Athletic Centre at the Barrie Campus and learn the skills of mindfulness from skilled, practised instructors. No prior meditation experience required. Wear comfortable clothing.
Mindfulness walks
- Wednesdays: 1 p.m.
Meet in the Barrie Athletic Centre foyer to get stepping, mindfully. Mindful movement is a great option when you’re very stressed or if you have trouble sitting for long periods of time. Beginners welcome, dress comfortably.
Orillia Campus Labyrinth
The Orillia Campus labyrinth is located outside behind the library. It is a circular path laid on the ground using rocks to mark the path. The natural treed setting provides a welcoming sanctuary for students and staff.
What is a labyrinth?
The labyrinth is a walking meditation that can help us find peace and calmness in our busy world. Labyrinths copy the spirals found in nature. They have been used for centuries and can now be found in settings such as parks, spa resorts, educational institutions, church courtyards and medical facilities, such as hospital gardens.
Benefits of the labyrinth
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The labyrinth as a form of self-care
College is stressful, and meeting deadlines can be overwhelming. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, young people aged 15-24 are more likely to experience mental illness and substance use disorders than any other age group. The labyrinth is a tool to practise self-care.
- Students and staff walk the labyrinth to de-stress and find calmness.
- Labyrinths are often described as a metaphor for our life journey, so they help us reflect on our life choices and circumstances.
- Research suggests that walking a circular path allows the mind to let go of its need to analyze and frees the mind to engage in creativity and intuition.
The Self-care Club
The Self-care Club is dedicated to promoting and advocating for mental wellness and mental health awareness at the Orillia Campus. The club meets regularly and hosts workshops that highlight techniques for stress relief and improved self-care.
For more information or how to join, contact Shanna Henderson.
Community Projects Initiative (CPI) has promoted the labyrinth on the Orillia Campus as a tool for student wellness. Friends of the labyrinth thank the following Social Service Worker students for their commitment to this project: Emily Beckenhauer, Kevin Faria, Andrea Gonzalez, Emily Johnston, Nitish Sehgal and Christina Taibi.
References:
Canadian Mental Health Association website
Bigard, M.F. (2009, Fall). Walking the labyrinth: An innovative approach to counseling center research. Journal of College Counseling, 12, 137-148. Retrieved from http://www.collegecounseling.org/journal
Quick links
Student insuranceIn a crisis situation
For students who are in crisis or who are dealing with time-sensitive issues, drop-in counsellors are available either in person or by phone Monday to Friday during office hours.
After hours, call 911 or Campus Safety and Security at 705.722.5100.
To connect with a counsellor 24/7, call the Good 2 Talk Help-line
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| Good to Talk |
| 1.866.925.5454 |
Ask a counsellor
Georgian’s counsellors can answer questions on many postsecondary related issues. Please email counsellor@georgiancollege.ca.
To book an appointment with a counsellor:
- Barrie: 705.722.1523, or drop by room B110 in the Founder’s Building (evening appointments are available Monday to Thursday each week during fall and winter semesters)
- Midland: 705.526.3666
- Muskoka: 705.646.7629
- Orangeville: 519.940.0331
- Orillia: 705.325.2740, ext. 3113 or 705.329.3113, or visit Student Services, room A200
- Owen Sound: 519.376.0840, ext. 2099 or drop by room C607
- South Georgian Bay students: Call 705.445.2961
Note: Only extensions are required to be dialled when calling from a Georgian College landline.
