This notice is from the archives of The Notice Board. Information contained in this notice was accurate at the time of publication but may no longer be so.
Reorganization of Student Mental Health Services on Campus - FAQ
Some changes have recently taken place to how mental health services are being offered on campus. This FAQ is designed to provide clarity about these changes.
Have mental health services been eliminated on campus?
No. Services are being reorganized on campus to address provincial funding changes while at the same time maintaining the high level of mental health services that students have come to expect.
Why are mental health services being restructured?
Since 2013, the University has been receiving $1 million annually to specifically support student mental health initiatives on campus. This funding will be reduced by the government to $440,000 annually by 2021. The on-campus restructuring of services is occurring to ensure that we continue to provide the highest level of service despite this reduction in funding.
What restructuring is taking place?
Five contracted term positions in the Health Centre will not be renewed. The counselling related services provided through those positions will be taken up by the large team of psychologists and clinical social workers in Counselling Services. This reorganization will eliminate duplication of services and streamline the pathway for accessing mental health services on campus. The Health Centre will continue to provide mental health services through on-campus physicians and an on-campus psychiatrist. The Health Centre and Counselling Services will continue to work together closely to ensure that students accessing services receive the appropriate care and support.
Are students being moved to community mental health services?
No. The U of L continues to have a large counselling team offering a wide range of services. The criteria for referrals to community services will remain the same as usual – referrals will continue to be made to community services for specialized and long-term care.
Will services now cost me money?
No. A full suite of mental health services will continue to be offered on campus and remain free for students.
Will services be reduced?
No. Services have simply been reorganized. Psychiatric and psychological services will continue to be offered on campus both through the Health Centre and through Counselling Services.
What services will continue to be offered?
Psychologists and clinical social workers in Counselling Services offer one-on-one counselling, group counselling, and psycho-educational groups. Physicians and a psychiatrist in the Health Centre will also continue to provide assessment and treatment of mental health concerns.
How do I access the services I need?
You can choose to pursue mental health treatments through either the Health Centre or Counselling Services. If you want to see a physician for your mental health concerns, access services through the Health Centre. If you want to access counselling support for your mental health concerns, access Counselling Services. These departments work together closely to ensure your needs are met.
For further information on services offered and how to access services please see the Health Centre website (www.uleth.ca/hr/health-centre) and the Counselling Services website (www.uleth.ca/counselling).
If you have any questions, you can contact the following:
Mark Slomp (Executive Director, Student Services) at mark.slomp@uleth.ca or 403 394 3960
Alison Pilsner (Manager, Health Centre) at alison.pilsner@uleth.ca or 403 329 2483
Jennifer Ellis-Toddington (Manager, Counselling and Career Services) at jennifer.ellistoddin@uleth.ca or 403 317 2819
Contact:
Mark Slomp | mark.slomp@uleth.ca | 403-394-3960 | uleth.ca/counselling