Same-day counselling appointment

Get Mental Health Support when You Need It 


Book a same-day appointment with a mental health counsellor on campus, online or at the Health & Wellness Centre. 
416-978-8030 ext. 5

Get same-day mental health support when you need it. Explore concerns, learn about resources and identify next steps with a professional counsellor. You can make positive changes in one session and you can also book subsequent appointments to build on previous sessions or address something new.

  • Book a same-day appointment to address a specific need or issue, to learn about resource options or a combination of both.
  • Your priorities and preferences will guide the focus and selection of treatment options.
  • You can come back multiple times – make an appointment when you need it.
  • Book an appointment any time within a week of calling,  when it works best for you.
  • Meet with a counsellor in the clinic, online or at select locations on campus.
  • What you talk about with your counsellor is private and confidential and can’t be connected to your student record.

One service, many options

You can get same-day support from counsellors in many ways, depending on your preferences. On-location counsellors are available in 24 faculties, departments and colleges and are dedicated to supporting their students. You can also choose to meet with a counsellor dedicated to supporting you as someone identifying as Black, Indigenous or Person of Colour. 

No matter how you choose to access counselling support, your appointment will be private and confidential and can’t be connected to your student record in any way. 

Meet with a counsellor on campus

During the academic year, you can meet with a counsellor embedded in your program or college to get support from someone who understands your program, what you’re going through and what resources you may need.  

Undergraduate Students

Counsellor: Eric Rogers (he/him)

I’m Eric Rogers (He/Him), a Registered Social Worker with a focus on providing counselling and psychotherapy. I strongly believe therapy should be a safe and validating space where you can show up exactly as you are. My special interests include working with topics of exploring sexual identity, sexual health, substance use, navigating life transitions, anger, grief, depression, and anxiety.

Counsellor: Joey Violante (she/her)

I’m Joey, a Registered Social Worker and on-location Wellness Counsellor located at New College. My approach is grounded in anti-oppressive, trauma-informed and equity-based principles, I am deeply committed to offering a space that is warm, affirming and values your wisdom and lived experience. You’re welcome to bring whatever is on your mind to our sessions, whether it’s academic stress, personal concerns, relationship challenges, life transitions, or anything else you’d like to explore.

Counsellor: Heidi Zhang (she/her)

I’m Heidi, a Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist, and fluent in Mandarin Chinese. I was born in Beijing, China, and immigrated to Toronto, Canada, as a 1.5-generation immigrant. I value  respectful curiosity, meaningful connection, and a deep understanding of how each person’s cultural contexts and lived experiences are shaped by broader social, political, and economic systems.

Counsellor: Aman Singh (she/her)

I’m Aman, a Registered Social Worker dedicated to supporting the diverse student population at the University of Toronto.  I’m deeply committed to working alongside you as you navigate the many layers of university life—from academic pressures to personal and mental health challenges. I’m here to help you uncover your inherent strengths while building new, practical strategies to foster wellbeing.

Counsellor: Alyssa Chow (she/her)

I’m Alyssa, a 4th generation English-speaking, Chinese-Canadian with a strong therapeutic background in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, crisis prevention and solution-focused counseling. I take a client-centered approach in my practice with a focus on providing an empathic and non-judgmental space for students to discuss challenges such as (but not limited to): anxiety, low mood/motivation, social anxiety, panic, OCD, emotional dysregulation, self-esteem difficulties, self-harm tendencies, suicide ideation and relationship conflicts.

Counsellor: Alyssa Chow (she/her)

I’m Alyssa, a 4th generation English-speaking, Chinese-Canadian with a strong therapeutic background in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, crisis prevention and solution-focused counseling. I take a client-centered approach in my practice with a focus on providing an empathic and non-judgmental space for students to discuss challenges such as (but not limited to): anxiety, low mood/motivation, social anxiety, panic, OCD, emotional dysregulation, self-esteem difficulties, self-harm tendencies, suicide ideation and relationship conflicts.

Counsellor: Heather Robertson (she/her)

I’m Heather, a Registered Social Worker with a Master of Social Work degree. I’ve spent my career helping people navigate life’s challenges with a compassionate, person-centered approach. I’m dedicated to making mental health support accessible and aims to create a safe space for students to feel heard, supported, and empowered.

Counsellor: Aman Singh (she/her)

I’m Aman, a Registered Social Worker dedicated to supporting the diverse student population at the University of Toronto.  I’m deeply committed to working alongside you as you navigate the many layers of university life—from academic pressures to personal and mental health challenges. I’m here to help you uncover your inherent strengths while building new, practical strategies to foster wellbeing.

Graduate and Professional Program Students

Counsellor: Leah Direnfeld (she/her)

I’m Leah, a registered social worker and I’ve been an on-location wellness counsellor since 2018. Throughout my career, I have focused on helping individuals improve their wellbeing, functioning, and relationships. I take a collaborative, client-centred approach to help students break down and navigate their challenges. I also help students further develop skills and insight, so that they can make changes that have a positive impact on various facets of their lives. 

Counsellor: Joey Violante (she/her)

I’m Joey, a Registered Social Worker and on-location Wellness Counsellor located at New College. My approach is grounded in anti-oppressive, trauma-informed and equity-based principles, I am deeply committed to offering a space that is warm, affirming and values your wisdom and lived experience. You’re welcome to bring whatever is on your mind to our sessions, whether it’s academic stress, personal concerns, relationship challenges, life transitions, or anything else you’d like to explore.

Counsellor: Megan Desjardins (she/her)

I’m Megan, and I’m a Registered Social Worker. My approach to counselling is strength-focused, collaborative, and grounded in anti-oppressive principles. I’m also committed to creating a supportive and inclusive space where you can feel heard, respected, and empowered in your mental health journey.

Counsellor: Joey Violante (she/her)

I’m Joey, a Registered Social Worker and on-location Wellness Counsellor. I am deeply committed to offering a space that is warm, affirming and values your wisdom and lived experience. You’re welcome to bring whatever is on your mind to our sessions, whether it’s academic stress, personal concerns, relationship challenges, life transitions, or anything else you’d like to explore.

Counsellor: Eric Rogers (he/him)

I’m Eric, a Registered Social Worker with a focus on providing counselling and psychotherapy. I strongly believe therapy should be a safe and validating space where you can show up exactly as you are. My special interests include working with topics of exploring sexual identity, sexual health, substance use, navigating life transitions, anger, grief, depression, and anxiety.

Counsellor: Mona Shannir (she/her)

I’m Mona, a Registered Social Worker with training in community and clinical practice. I have experience working with refugees, students, children and families, trauma, relational support, and hospital social work. My interests include complex trauma, and my approach is client-centered and strength-based, with a focus on compassion, collaboration, and meeting clients where they are. Outside of work, I enjoy dancing, especially salsa, strength training, and stumbling upon hidden gems in the city.

Counsellor: Alyssa Chow (she/her)

I’m Alyssa, a 4th generation English-speaking, Chinese-Canadian with a strong therapeutic background in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, crisis prevention and solution-focused counseling. I take a client-centered approach in my practice with a focus on providing an empathic and non-judgmental space for students to discuss challenges such as (but not limited to): anxiety, low mood/motivation, social anxiety, panic, OCD, emotional dysregulation, self-esteem difficulties, self-harm tendencies, suicide ideation and relationship conflicts.

Counsellor: Leah Direnfeld (she/her)

I’m Leah, a registered social worker and I’ve been an on-location wellness counsellor since 2018. Throughout my career, I have focused on helping individuals improve their wellbeing, functioning, and relationships. I take a collaborative, client-centred approach to help students break down and navigate their challenges. I also help students further develop skills and insight, so that they can make changes that have a positive impact on various facets of their lives. 

Counsellor: Leah Direnfeld (she/her)

I’m Leah, a registered social worker and I’ve been an on-location wellness counsellor since 2018. Throughout my career, I have focused on helping individuals improve their wellbeing, functioning, and relationships. I take a collaborative, client-centred approach to help students break down and navigate their challenges. I also help students further develop skills and insight, so that they can make changes that have a positive impact on various facets of their lives. 

Counsellor: Laurie Coleman (she/her)

I’m Laurie, a registered social worker with a focus on providing counselling and psychotherapy. I’ve been an on-location wellness counsellor & coordinator supporting students since 2011. I strive to provide holistic care, looking at you as a whole person and focusing on preventative measures in the hopes that you may lead a more fulfilled life, whatever that means to you. My special interests are in Mindfulness (Vipassana) Meditation, and Hatha and Restorative Yoga, which I find to be enormously helpful from a stress reduction lens.

Counsellor: Alyssa Chow (she/her)

I’m Alyssa, a 4th generation English-speaking, Chinese-Canadian with a strong therapeutic background in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, crisis prevention and solution-focused counseling. I take a client-centered approach in my practice with a focus on providing an empathic and non-judgmental space for students to discuss challenges such as (but not limited to): anxiety, low mood/motivation, social anxiety, panic, OCD, emotional dysregulation, self-esteem difficulties, self-harm tendencies, suicide ideation and relationship conflicts.

Counsellor: Alyssa Chow (she/her)

I’m Alyssa, a 4th generation English-speaking, Chinese-Canadian with a strong therapeutic background in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, crisis prevention and solution-focused counseling. I take a client-centered approach in my practice with a focus on providing an empathic and non-judgmental space for students to discuss challenges such as (but not limited to): anxiety, low mood/motivation, social anxiety, panic, OCD, emotional dysregulation, self-esteem difficulties, self-harm tendencies, suicide ideation and relationship conflicts.

Counsellor: Eric Rogers (he/him)

I’m Eric Rogers (He/Him/His), a Registered Social Worker with a focus on providing counselling and psychotherapy. I strongly believe therapy should be a safe and validating space where you can show up exactly as you are. My special interests include working with topics of exploring sexual identity, sexual health, substance use, navigating life transitions, anger, grief, depression, and anxiety.

Counsellor: Lorie Atkinson (she/her)

I’m a Registered Social Worker with 15 years of experience in diverse mental health and healthcare settings. I enjoy supporting university students to enhance their functioning and overall well-being by using an approach that is trauma-informed, strengths based and goal-oriented. I am also passionate about early intervention and prevention, and I’m committed to empowering you to navigate challenges of university experiences.

Counsellor: Luis Minutti Meza (he/him)

I’m a Registered Psychotherapist, and a former international student from Mexico. I have worked in both university and communities to support youth, using evidence-informed and anti-oppressive practices. I value the importance of accommodating your preferences and place a special emphasis on empathy, unconditional positive regard and authenticity.

Non-Academic Sites

Counsellor: Folashade Kortee (she/her)

Tansi, Hello! My name is Folashade Kortee (she/her). I am Métis-Cree (Citizen of the Métis Nation of Ontario with roots from Cumberland House, Saskatchewan) and Nigerian. I was born and raised in Tkaronto, Treaty 13 territory, and I am grateful to live, work, and play on this land. I hold a Master of Social Work and am a Registered Social Worker. As the Indigenous Wellness Counsellor & Coordinator, I am here to support your mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being in a way that honors your identity and lived experiences. Please feel free to reach out – I look forward to connecting with you.

Counsellor: Eric Rogers (he/him)

I’m Eric Rogers (He/Him/His), a Registered Social Worker with a focus on providing counselling and psychotherapy. I strongly believe therapy should be a safe and validating space where you can show up exactly as you are. My special interests include working with topics of exploring sexual identity, sexual health, substance use, navigating life transitions, anger, grief, depression, and anxiety.

Wellness counselling for BIPOC students

If you self-identify as Black, Indigenous and/or a Person of Colour (BIPOC), you can make a same-day counselling appointment with a wellness counsellor who self-identifies as BIPOC and has expertise in supporting students from these communities. You can access all the support of a same-day counselling appointment, but you can also get support with healing from racial stress, trauma and experiences of discrimination ranging from microaggression to overt racist behaviours and acts.

What to expect at a same-day appointment

Before the Appointment

Think about a specific goal or issue you’d like to address and what you’d like to gain from meeting with a counsellor – what outcomes will make you feel like the session has been successful? It could be new coping skills, resources, referrals to other services and/or a plan of what to do next.

You’ll be given a form to complete before your session to help prepare you and your counsellor for the appointment. Please read all forms carefully and return them on time, so that we can make sure the entire appointment is about you – not the paperwork.

During the Appointment

During a 45-minute appointment, you’ll work with a counsellor to achieve a goal and/or address your concerns. Your appointment might include identifying strategies and next steps,  based on your needs and preferences at the time. You might be referred  to other services that would specifically match your goals or issue, and/or you might want to call back to book another same-day appointment Monday to Friday.

You’ll leave with next steps and strategies to manage your concerns. You can make another appointment at any time to build on the previous session.