McGill University’s mental health and counselling services announced the cancellation of a $20 registration fee that each service had implemented, according to university spokesperson Doug Sweet.
He said the mental health fee was originally implemented in May 2013, while the school’s counselling service fee was added Sept. 1.
Both service fees applied to all new and returning students, according to Sweet. Students who had already paid for either service would be refunded, he noted.
Dr. Robert Franck, head of mental health services said another reason for originally implementing the $20 registration fee was for staff salary payments.
“Last year, our mental health budget was in a severe deficit because we had put on contract a number of psychologists who were specialized in certain services,” Franck said.
Extended wait times for students were a common complaint, which is why the services decided to implement a 15-16 session limit, counselling service director Vera Romano said.
This limit was to reduce wait times and determine which students needed extensive treatment and which ones did not, according to Romano.
“Honestly, because we don’t have enough staff, the reality is, even if we did not have the session limit, in reality most students could not be seen more than that because there’s more and more students seeking services,” Romano said.
At Carleton University, a fee for health and counselling services is included in tuition, according to Patty Allen, a registered nurse and promoter of the services.
Students at Carleton can self-refer themselves to health and counselling services, or come with a doctor’s referral.
She said there are three full-time counsellors in the residence buildings for students to use, and additional counsellors available for international students in the international students office in the university centre.
Allen said there is no maximum number of sessions students can attend, but six to eight are recommended.
“The mandate of health and counselling services here at Carleton . . . is to help students get through their issues so that they can do well in their studies,” Allen said.
Romano said the removal of the fees at McGill would benefit all students.
“[We] are glad about the cancellation as we are deeply committed to accessible and inclusive service delivery,” she said.
