When to call for help
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, or experiencing a mental health crisis that could lead to serious harm, call 911 first. For urgent safety concerns on campus, contact Campus Security at 519-555-0176. They are available around the clock and can help you get to a safe place.
Who this is for
This page is for any student, staff member, or visitor who needs immediate support for a crisis. If you are feeling overwhelmed, unsafe, or are struggling with severe anxiety or depression, you can reach out to the Counselling & Wellness office. We also support students in residence who may need urgent help outside of regular office hours.
How to get help
- Call 911 for any life-threatening emergency or immediate risk of harm.
- Call Campus Security at 519-555-0176 for safety risks on or near campus. They can escort you to a safe location or help you connect with emergency services.
- Call the Counselling & Wellness office at 519-555-0184 during business hours (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) for urgent counselling referrals.
- Visit the Health Centre on Benchlands Campus if you need medical attention alongside psychological support. Health Centre visits are free for all enrolled students.
- If you are in residence, contact your Residence Life staff or call 519-555-0175 to reach the residence desk.
What to expect when you call
When you call for help, the person on the other end will ask a few quick questions to understand your situation. They will not judge you. If you are comfortable, tell them exactly how you are feeling and whether you are alone. They will stay on the line with you until it is safe, or they will send someone to meet you.
If you speak to Campus Security, they will locate you and walk with you to a quiet, secure room. They can also contact a mental health professional to come to campus if needed. If you call the Counselling & Wellness office, they will triage your request and connect you with a counsellor or a crisis line within the same business day.
Confidentiality and next steps
When you contact Counselling & Wellness or Campus Security, your information is kept private under privacy law. Staff will help you create a safety plan and connect you with long-term care if needed. There is no fee to speak with a counsellor about a crisis. You do not need a student number to ask for help, but having your student ID can speed up the process if you are on campus.
Where to go on campus
If you are on the Benchlands Campus, you can go to the Health Centre or the Student Union Building for a quiet space. On the Mercer Street Campus, please contact Campus Security to be escorted to a safe area or to the Health Centre. Both campuses have secure doors, and security staff can check on you at any time.
For more information about ongoing mental health resources, visit the Counselling & Wellness page.