Senior Psychotherapist, Student Health and Wellness

Student Affairs is at the very heart of the student experience at the University of Ottawa. We recruit the very best future students, support them throughout their university years and leave them well-prepared for fulfilling careers and future studies. Our team of more than 600 dedicated staff provides the services that keep students happy, well and thriving as they pursue their ambitions. We help them apply and enrol for courses, we oversee 11 residences and an award-winning Dining Hall, we organize fun events and varsity sports activities, we run an innovative career development and experiential learning program and much more!

There’s nothing more rewarding than helping future generations reach their full potential at a world-class university. With our wide variety of career opportunities and professional development pathways, we’re sure that you’ll enjoy the experience as much as our students do.

Position purpose:

Provide guidance and support to members of the student community by offering them tools, resources, counseling, and psychotherapy to help them develop skills, abilities, and lifestyle habits that promote their well-being and mental health. Work collaboratively and in synergy with the university community on student well-being and mental health.


In this role, your responsibilities will include:

Individual Counseling: In line with the preferred service delivery model and a student-centered, strengths-based approach, meet with students individually to assess their emotional, psychological, and relational development. Develop and implement short-term therapeutic interventions that contribute to their well-being. Provide support to students experiencing psychological and emotional difficulties and manage crisis situations, including suicidal crises, in accordance with the Code of Ethics of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario or equivalent, ensuring the safety of all parties involved. If necessary, refer students to more specialized or long-term services within the University or in the community to ensure they receive the mental health care they need.

Group Counseling: Design and facilitate group counseling sessions and psychoeducational workshops to reach as many students as possible simultaneously, fostering the creation of support networks and social integration, thereby enhancing their resilience in their studies.

Consulting Expertise: Serve as a subject matter expert for the university community on student mental health and well-being, promoting the understanding of student needs and the various personal challenges they may face.

Team Supervision: Supervise a team of professionals delivering clinical services and managing mental health crises. Advise team members on best practices and appropriate measures for complex and high-risk cases, particularly those involving personal safety concerns (risk of harm to self or others). Consult with a supervisor or manager for any critical incidents requiring higher-level intervention.

Project Management: Oversee a team of professionals working on various projects related to mental health and well-being services. Support team members in planning and managing projects, as well as optimizing work methods and processes. Ensure project delivery and accountability.

Case Management: Maintain detailed records of each student encounter, documenting the sequence and nature of professional services provided. Ensure the efficient management of these records while maintaining confidentiality in accordance with university regulations and the guidelines of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario.

Supervision of Others: Depending on expertise and experience, supervise the work of professional counseling interns, providing feedback to ensure they meet student needs effectively while adhering to professional ethical standards. If necessary, train and supervise work-study students, such as Peer Counselors, ensuring their tasks are carried out according to established guidelines and standards.


What you will bring:

Graduate degree in counseling, psychology, or a related field.
Applied training in suicide intervention techniques (ASIST) or equivalent training.
Knowledge of mental health issues in post-secondary settings.
Ability to provide various evidence-based psychotherapy modalities.
Full membership with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) or another regulatory body governing psychotherapy practice in Ontario.
At least five (5) years of experience in a similar role.
Clear criminal record.
Bilingualism – French and English (spoken and written). Must be able to provide therapeutic services in both official languages.
Knowledge and experience in using and interpreting the latest psychometric instruments.
Eligibility for professional liability insurance as an independent practicing counselor.
Strong interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills.
Awareness of confidentiality, informed consent, accessibility, and diversity-related issues.
Experience in developing and facilitating psychoeducational workshops.
Proficiency in computer systems and software, including Windows, word processing, spreadsheets, databases, Internet, and email.
Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed. Read more