902 457 6567 | counselling@msvu.ca | EMF 141

How to Book a Counselling Appointment

Our mission in Counselling Services is to maximize the potential of all students to help them enjoy the full benefit of their academic experience at Mount Saint Vincent University. We offer a non-judgmental listening ear while providing students with skills and strategies to cope and manage the emotional, psychological, and developmental concerns pertaining to university life.

Our services include free, confidential, individualized strategies to help students achieve academic success. Upon request, we also provide workshops, group programs, and in-class presentations.

For Students Returning to Counselling Services: Please contact your counsellor directly by email to resume your counselling appointments.

For Students New to Counselling Services:

Step 1: Create an account/profile on Jane App

Step 2: Complete required forms (Intake Questionnaire and Informed Consent) on JaneApp

Step 3: Go to Bookings Page on Jane and select one appointment for a 30-minute New Client Intake Appointment (can be in-person or distance/virtual)

Next steps: After your initial intake appointment, you will be contacted within a week by a counsellor to set up an appointment and begin counselling.

Daytime appointments are available Monday to Friday 12 months a year. Evening appointments are available on Tuesdays from September to April.

If you feel your concern is an emergency or if feelings worsen or intensify, please go immediately to your local emergency department.

First Time at Counselling Services

  • Get started with MSVU Counselling Services by creating an account on Jane App.
  • Once you have registered with Jane, complete the required forms (Intake Questionnaire and Counselling Consent Form).
  • Book your 30-minute intake appointment on the Bookings Page in Jane by Selecting “New Client Intake” option.
  • After your initial appointment you will be paired with a counsellor within a week. They will contact you by email to book your first counselling appointment.
  • Regular sessions are 50 minutes in length.

Current or Returning Clients

Please contact your counsellor directly by email to schedule or resume your counselling appointments.

  • Once engaged with a counsellor, you will book your next session at the end of each appointment.
  • To reschedule or cancel your upcoming appointment, please give us as much notice as possible. You can cancel directly on the JaneApp or by emailing counselling@msvu.ca, calling 902 457 6567, or visiting the Student Services desk at EMF 108.

Other ways to book an appointment:

Not sure how to make a Jane account?

We also book appointments over the phone at 902-457-6567, or you can come to the Student Services desk at EMF 108 to ask for assistance in-person.

Confidentiality Policy

Information obtained throughout the course of your counselling is considered confidential within the limits and standards set by the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists, and related provincial governmental legislation. Client confidentiality is maintained according to the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice (2020) in compliance with The Personal Health Information Act (PHIA).

When necessary, consultations, including exchange of written information, documents or reports, may be made with other professionals to ensure the best possible service. However, in these situations, your written permission will be sought ahead of time for the release of information.

Cancellation Policy

If you are not able to make it to your scheduled appointment, please let us know at least 24 hours in advance. You can cancel your appointment using the Jane App or by calling 902 457 6567 or e-mailing counselling@msvu.ca. This allows us the opportunity to move a student on our waiting list into an appointment slot. If you arrive 15 minutes or later for your appointment it will be rescheduled so that other appointments can remain on time.

No-Show Policy

If a student misses their scheduled appointment three (3) or more times during a semester, they may be required to meet with the Manager before booking their next appointment.

Policy on Letters of Support

Letters of support are only provided in exceptional circumstances and to clients currently being seen in Counselling Services. Letters of support will not be given to students for the sole purpose of obtaining one to support an absence or for an academic offence.

Counselling Services is not an emergency clinic.

All emergencies (e.g., serious threats of violence, actively suicidal individuals) should be directed to a hospital emergency department or to call 911.

Campus security should be contacted for any emergencies that take place on campus. They can be reached at 902 457 6111, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.