Please note that although we do our best to update this page with the most up to date links, pages and content may change without notice. Please contact Communications@chem.ubc.ca if there are any issues with the page.
Other Crisis Line numbers:
1-800-SUICIDE / 1-800-784-2433 - BC Suicide Prevention and Intervention Line
604-872-3311 - Vancouver Coastal Regional Distress Line
Additional information about the Crisis Center, including what to expect when you call, is in the link below:
https://www.crisiscentre.bc.ca/get-support/crisis-lines/
Emergency numbers
In case of imminent harm dial 9-1-1 or go to the nearest hospital (Emergency room). Note that healthcare in Emergency rooms in Canada is free and covered by MSP.
For people in high level of distress, dial 9-8-8 (Suicide crisis help line).
For UBC students only, call UBC Student health services at 604-822-7011.
UBC Mental Health Resources
For students (graduate or undergraduate)
UBC students can call 604-822-3811 to request an in-person, phone, or virtual Wellness Advising appointment.
https://students.ubc.ca/health/counselling-services/
Student Health Service provides access to doctors, nurse practitioners and other health professionals:
https://students.ubc.ca/health/student-health-service/
The Nurse on Campus program provides drop-in sessions at booths across campus to ask questions about health and wellness topics:
https://students.ubc.ca/health/student-health-service/nurse-campus/
More information about other supports from UBC and the Graduate Students Society are at the links below:
https://students.ubc.ca/health/counselling-services/mental-health-care-ubc/
https://gss.ubc.ca/wellness/
UBC also has compiled a list of resources in its Green folder. You can download the Green folder below:
https://wellbeing.ubc.ca/sites/default/files/u1582/2024.06_v2_Green%20Folder.pdf
For staff
The Employee and Family Assistance Program provides counselling support services for UBC staff and their families. See link below for more information:
https://hr.ubc.ca/benefits/benefit-plan-details/employee-and-family-assistance-program
UBC also has compiled a list of resources in its Green folder. You can download the Green folder below. Note that some resources are for students only whereas others are for the general public.
https://wellbeing.ubc.ca/sites/default/files/u1582/2024.06_v2_Green%20Folder.pdf
Counselling, supports, and resources outside of UBC
Here2Talk.ca offers free, immediate, confidential counselling: Here2Talk.ca.
Canada-wide toll free, dial: 1-877-857-3397
Canada-wide direct, dial: 604-642-5212
Mind Health BC Has self-screening tools and resources. If you need counselling support, MindHealth also has a crisis call and chat lines: mindhealthbc.ca
Other relevant documentation
Graduate students’ insurance policy covers a number of health supports. Most psychologists visits are covered by the plan, though there may be some unusual situations where coverage is not available. Check the AMS Health page below for more details. Note that insurance may not cover all types of counselling and/or other supports. Please check with the insurance and your health provider for the level of coverage before incurring any expenses.
https://studentcare.ca/plan/en-CA/UniversityofBritishColumbiaAMSGSS/understanding-my-coverage
The document below has instructions on how to apply for reimbursement from your insurance plan.
How to sign up for a Pacific Blue Cross (PBC) account to access UBC AMS healthcare benefits
Financial stressors can negatively impact mental health. UBC offers some emergency funding to help alleviate these issues. The following links have information about emergency funding sources you can access through UBC. Please note that this funding is restricted (e.g. student degree type, emergency type, etc.). If in doubt, please contact the funding group directly and see if you and your expense are eligible.
UBC Emergency funding: https://students.ubc.ca/finances/financial-support-options/emergency-funding/
GSS Financial aid (for graduate students only): https://gss.ubc.ca/gsfa/
Food insecurity may also be an issue to some. The AMS food bank offers emergency food relief for UBC students.
https://www.ams.ubc.ca/support-services/student-services/food-bank/
Understanding Mental Health Challenges in research settings
Mental health challenges in academic and research settings are not uncommon. For instance, researchers encounter regular stressors such as imposter syndrome, publication/academic pressures, and work-life balance through their academic careers. These stressors can deteriorate mental wellbeing. Moreover, these situations can exacerbate existing mental health issues.
You wouldn’t ignore a sprained ankle before running a marathon. Similar to that, remember that you're already training your brain like an Olympic athlete with paper and thesis writing, research and teaching. Remember to check-in on your mental health regularly and to seek professional support when needed.
Taking care of your mental health isn't procrastination – it's preparation. Whether that means talking to a counselor, setting boundaries, and any other small steps can make a huge difference. Your future self will thank you for prioritizing your wellbeing now.
For all graduate program related concerns, the first step should be to email the Associate Head Graduate Studies (Parisa Mehrkhodavandi, mehr@chem.ubc.ca) and ask for a meeting. All communication will be strictly confidential. The goal here is to find additional resources to help you succeed. These resources can include mediation with your PI or group members, potentially finding a new PI, seeking departmental intervention with the support of the Head, introduction to someone from the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, or connection to more concrete resources such as financial aid.
If you feel uncomfortable with discussing these issues with a faculty member, you can ask the UBC Chemistry Graduate Program Coodinator (Lauren Koch, gradprogram@chem.ubc.ca) to connect you with resources at the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.