A Place to Turn When You Need Help
Professional, Safe and Confidential
Face to face or online counselling for VIU students is available through VIU Counselling Services from Tuesday to Thursday, 8:30 am to 5 pm.
Book an appointment
- Call 604.485.8041 and leave confidential voice message with your name, phone number, student number, and email, or
- Email Tracy Tunstall at Tracy.Tunstall@viu.ca with your full name, phone number, and student number
- You will be contacted by Counselling Services to set up an appointment during regular business hours.
If you are experiencing a crisis, you can reach out to the BC Crisis Centre, or the Sunshine Coast/Sea to Sky 24 Crisis line: 1.866.661.3311
Faculty, if you have a concern about a specific student, please contact us by email at PR.StudentAffairs@viu.ca or call or drop by the Student Services office.
Need to speak to a counsellor right away? The BC Government has a new app: 24/7 Here2Talk that provides phone, text, and chat options for students in crisis and/or needing a counselling session. Students can call as often as they like, and the service is free. Access here2talk
Why Seek Help?
There are many reasons why you might want to visit us. Some common issues that students come to us with are depression, social anxiety, self-harm, disordered eating, relationship problems, perfectionism, grief & loss, substance use, confidence, loneliness, procrastination, internet addictions, coping with a traumatic event, adjustment to University life and many other personal difficulties. Our goal is to help you overcome these challenges so you’re able to have the best possible experience at VIU. In these uncertain times, our counsellors are also able to provide support around concerns of being overwhelmed, feeling isolated, or otherwise distressed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Is Counselling Confidential?
Yes. We take your right to privacy seriously. All information is for the purpose of providing counselling services. No information will be released to VIU administrators, instructors, outside agencies or anyone else unless authorized by you or required by law. Please speak to our counsellor for more information about confidentiality.