Stronger Minds, Brighter Futures: Mental Health on Canadian Campuses
Discover how Canadian universities are supporting the mental well-being of international students through dedicated programs and resources. We will review several Canadian universities and colleges as it is important for international students to know what is available to them. And let’s also recognize World Mental Health Day, October 10, 2025:
🍁 MacEwan University (Edmonton, AB)
Wellness & Psychological Services offers:
Free, confidential short-term individual and group counselling, plus case management (macewan.ca)
24/7 Distress Line and emergency response (macewan.ca)
Self-help workshops and peer health education
Sometimes the best therapy has four legs and a wagging tail—thanks to PAWSS, students can de-stress with furry friends. (macewan.ca, macewan.ca)
WAGS
The MacEwan Wellness Animals Giving Support (WAGS) program offers structured animal-assisted interactions that enhance student well-being, social connections and community-building.
🏫 University of Manitoba (Winnipeg, MB)
Student Counselling Centre (SCC) provides:
Free counselling to all students, including International College of Manitoba attendees
Urgent support during weekdays, and a diverse, inclusive approach
Empower Me: 24/7 virtual mental health support via app, covered by health plan
Healthy U Peer Support at the Student Wellness Centre
🎓 Seneca Polytechnic College (Toronto, ON)
Seneca provides students with access to its Health & Wellness Centre, located at the Newman Campus. The college recognises that maintaining physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being is essential for student success. In addition to offering comprehensive support services, the college also provides a mental health certificate programme.
Mental Health Intervention Graduate Certificate:
A two-semester program (May–Dec) that trains students in mental health, trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and community outreach (senecapolytechnic.ca)
Graduates can work as case managers, outreach workers, or support staff in mental health settings (senecapolytechnic.ca)
🎓 Western University (London, ON)
Health & Wellness Services offers:
Individual counselling, crisis appointments, group workshops, academic relief, and peer support (uwo.ca)
Specialized support for international, Black/racialized, 2SLGBTQIA+ students (uwo.ca)
Wellness Education, including trainings and annual World Mental Health Day events (uwo.ca)
International Student Wellness via the International & Exchange Student Centre (uwo.ca)
Student insights:
“There are therapists that are free… you only get 5 sessions per year… student therapists available for longer-term therapy” (reddit.com)
✅ Summary of Key Offerings
🙋♀️ Why This Matters for International Students
Cultural adjustment: Moving to a new country can be stressful. These services offer help navigating stress, loneliness, identity, and academic pressures.
Tailored care: Services at MacEwan, Winnipeg, and Western include support specific to cultural, racial, gender, and international experiences.
Professional training: Programs like Seneca’s provide pathways for students passionate about helping others with mental health issues.
Your mental well-being matters—especially when studying far from home. If finding a university that prioritizes student wellness is important to you, Go 2 Canada Education Services can help. Reach out today to explore Canadian institutions that offer the support, resources, and care you deserve.
Cover Photo by Yan Krukau: