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Mental Health Resources
CBU recognizes the importance of mental health and its impact on academic success. CBU is committed to supporting students as they develop skills to prioritize and enhance their wellbeing and cope with varying challenges. We strongly encourage all students to take advantage of the resources available to them!
In the event of emergency, please go to the nearest Emergency Department
OR call 911
Mental health and addiction crisis line 1-888-429-8167 (available 24/7) or call 988 (National Suicide Crisis Helpline)
For help finding local resources or to talk with a counselor call 211 available 24/7
To speak with a registered nurse call 811 available 24/7
Mental Health Resources for Canadian and International Students
Healthy Minds NS: CBU’s primary online mental health support program.
Personal Counselling: CBU’s Personal Counsellors are Clinical Social Workers who work with students to deal with a variety of issues including depression and anxiety, grief, parenting, anger, relationship issues, family conflict, time management, stress, financial concerns, and more. This free and confidential service is available by contacting the Nancy Dingwall Health and Counselling Centre.
GMSSP: GuardMe Student Support Program is a 24/7 digital mental health support program for international students. GMSSP provides students with access to a large and diverse network of professional counsellors who are equipped to offer support and guidance. Students are matched to a counsellor based on their situation, language and cultural preferences.
Peer Support Group: join a group of your peers every Thursday from 11:45am-12:45pm in the David C. Dingwall Student Government Centre (CBUSU Building). This supportive, safe space offers students the opportunity to talk to and learn from one anothers’ lived experiences by exploring different cultural perspectives on mental health and addictions.
POWER Group: is a group that meets every Tuesday from 11:45am-12:45pm at Cineplex Cinemas Sydney (325 Prince St.) in Theatre 2, where lunch will also be provided. This group’s focus is learning how to be successful from one another, our diverse student community of Positive, Open, Welcoming, Excelling and Resilient individuals making it a POWER group. Don’t miss out on this empowering experience. Get ready to step out stronger!
CBU Men’s Alliance Group: is a new initiative that will be starting in January 2025. This group will meet every 2 weeks and focus on men’s health and social issues. The sessions will be facilitated by Mental Health Counsellor Chris Bourque MSW. It is a mix of great conversations and learning as well as fun activities (fishing, shooting hoops, etc). To find out more please call the Nancy Dingwall Health and Counselling Centre (902-563-1359) and ask to talk with Chris or email Chris_bourque@cbu.ca.
Mental Health Resources for Faculty and Staff
CBU Faculty and Staff may utilize Healthy Minds NS, or access support through the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP). For more information on CBU’s EFAP, please click here or visit the MyCBU Intranet.
Additional Support
- TAO (Therapy Assistance Online) – An online mental health library with interactive modules to help you understand and manage how you feel, think and act. TAO recently created mindfulness video exercises to help students cope with their feelings.
- Mindfulness in Nova Scotia (MindWell-U) – MindWell-U is a free 30-day mindfulness challenge. This online tool is only five minutes per day and helps lower stress and improve wellbeing.
- CBU Chaplaincy – The CBU Chaplaincy serves the University community in all spiritual and religious beliefs. CBU’s Chaplain, Father Doug MacDonald, is available to all students, faculty and staff. To book an appointment, please email doug_macdonald@cbu.ca or call 902-563-1173.
