Therapy for University and College Students in
Kitchener Waterloo
University and college can be an exciting time. It can also be a time when everything feels like a little too much.
Between assignments, exams, relationships, financial pressure, work, friendships and figuring out who you want to be, it is easy to put your own needs at the bottom of the list.
Maybe you are struggling with anxiety, overthinking every decision or feeling like you should be handling things better. Maybe you feel lonely, overwhelmed, disconnected from yourself or unsure about what comes next. Or perhaps you are managing to keep up with classes and responsibilities, but deep down, you are not feeling okay.
You do not have to wait until things become unmanageable to ask for support.
At Beyond Happiness Counselling, we offer individual therapy for students in Waterloo and the wider Kitchener-Waterloo area. Our goal is to help you feel understood, develop practical tools and navigate student life in a way that feels more manageable.
We offer in-person therapy at our Waterloo office and virtual therapy across Ontario, depending on therapist availability.
You do not need to have everything figured out before your first session.
What can student therapy help with?
Student life can bring challenges that are difficult to explain to friends or family. Therapy offers a space where you can talk openly, better understand what you are experiencing and explore what might help.
Our therapists can support students navigating concerns such as:
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Anxiety and overthinking: Worrying about grades, the future, making mistakes or what other people think.
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Academic stress and burnout: Feeling overwhelmed by deadlines, perfectionism, exams or the pressure to succeed.
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Low mood and motivation: Feeling disconnected, unmotivated, discouraged or unlike yourself.
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Friendships and relationships: Navigating conflict, dating, boundaries, breakups or changing friendships.
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Self esteem and identity: Comparing yourself to others, questioning your choices or figuring out who you are outside of other people's expectations.
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Life transitions: Adjusting to living away from home, starting college or university, changing programs or preparing for life after graduation.
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Family stress: Managing expectations, conflict, cultural differences or the challenge of becoming more independent.
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Loneliness and belonging: Feeling isolated, struggling to make connections or wondering where you fit in.
You do not need a diagnosis to benefit from therapy. Sometimes, you simply want a place to sort through your thoughts, understand your patterns and feel more confident in how you handle life's challenges.
Student therapy for University of Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier University and Conestoga College
Whether you are in your first semester, completing a demanding program, balancing co op with school or approaching graduation, we want to make accessing support feel straightforward.
University of Waterloo students
University life can bring academic pressure, demanding schedules, changing friendships and uncertainty about the future. Therapy can help you manage anxiety, work through perfectionism, build confidence and develop healthier ways to cope with stress.
We welcome undergraduate and graduate students who are looking for support beyond what they may already be accessing on campus.
Wilfrid Laurier University students
Balancing academics, social life, relationships and expectations can be challenging, even when things look fine from the outside. Therapy offers a private space to work through what is weighing on you, explore relationship patterns and develop strategies that work for your life.
Whether you are adjusting to university or navigating a difficult period later in your degree, you do not have to work through everything alone.
Conestoga College students
College programs can involve intensive coursework, placements, practical assessments, work and competing responsibilities. If you are feeling overwhelmed, struggling with motivation or finding it difficult to balance school with the rest of your life, therapy can help you understand what is contributing to the pressure and find a more sustainable way forward.
We support students in exploring their concerns, strengthening coping skills and working toward meaningful changes.
Is therapy covered by your student insurance?
Your student health and dental plan may help cover the cost of therapy. Coverage depends on your specific plan, eligibility, provider qualifications and the type of service.
Students at the University of Waterloo, Laurier and Conestoga may have access to supplementary health benefits through their student associations or graduate student organizations. The details differ by institution and plan.
Laurier students are covered for $1000 per year for counselling (Policy Year: September 1, 2026 - August 31, 2027)
University of Waterloo students are covered for $800 per
year for counselling (Policy Year: September 1, 2026 - August 31, 2027)
Conestoga College students are covered for $300 per
year for counselling (Policy Year: September 1, 2026 - August 31, 2027)
If you are still covered under your parents’ extended health benefits,
you may have additional coverage for psychotherapy beyond
your student health plan. Many insurance plans allow dependent children
to remain covered until age 25, although the age limit and eligibility
requirements vary by insurer and plan. Some plans may allow coverage
to continue beyond this age if certain conditions are met.
However, before booking, check your current benefits booklet or
contact your plan administrator to confirm:
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Whether psychotherapy or counselling is covered.
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Whether services from a Registered Psychotherapist or
Registered Social Worker are eligible.
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Your annual reimbursement limit and any per-session maximum.
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Whether you need a referral or other documentation.
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Whether virtual sessions are eligible.
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Whether you must pay first and submit a claim for reimbursement.
You can also ask whether your plan covers the particular therapist you are considering.
Please note that coverage is not guaranteed, and basic student medical insurance is not necessarily the same as extended mental health benefits. We recommend confirming your coverage directly with your insurer before your first appointment.
If cost is a concern, you are welcome to ask us about our fees and any available options.
How do we help you find the right therapist?
Choosing a therapist can feel like another decision on an already full to-do list. You might know exactly what you want help with, or you might only know that something does not feel right.
You do not have to compare every therapist profile and figure it out alone. We are a group counselling practice, and our team brings different experiences, therapeutic approaches and areas of focus.
Tell us a little about what you're looking for, and we'll help you find a therapist on our team who may be a good fit
Meet Our Team of Therapists
Our team includes therapists with different areas of experience, approaches and perspectives.
If you're unsure which therapist would be the right fit, we're happy to help you find someone based on your concerns, preferences and availability.
Registered Psychotherapist in Waterloo
Easy access by bus, car or online
We know getting to an appointment should not add more stress to your day.
Visit our Waterloo office:
Beyond Happiness Counselling is located at:
Unit #105, 370 University Ave East
Waterloo, ON N2K 3N2
Our office provides a private, welcoming space to attend therapy away from the demands of campus. Free parking is available for clients.
Getting here by Grand River Transit
Our office is on University Avenue East, with access to Grand River Transit (GRT) services in the surrounding area.
Your best bus connection will depend on whether you are travelling from the University of Waterloo, Laurier, a Conestoga campus or another part of Waterloo Region. Use the official GRT trip planner to check current routes, nearby stops, transfer options and departure times before your appointment.
Plan your bus trip with Grand River Transit
Please check your route on the day of travel, as schedules and service can change.
Prefer online therapy?
If getting to the office is difficult around classes, placements, work or commuting, virtual therapy may be a convenient alternative.
We offer virtual therapy across Ontario, subject to therapist availability and eligibility. You can attend from a private space at home or another location where you feel comfortable speaking openly.
What happens during your first appointment?
Starting therapy does not mean you need to arrive with a clear plan or the right words.
Your therapist will work with you to understand what has been happening, what matters to you and what you hope might change. Together, you can explore patterns, develop coping strategies and identify realistic steps that fit your life.
Therapy is collaborative. It is not about being told what you should do or judged for how you feel.
You can ask questions, move at a pace that feels manageable and work toward goals that matter to you.
Frequently asked questions about student therapy
Do I need to be in crisis to see a therapist? No. Therapy can help when you are struggling, but it can also be useful when you want to understand yourself better, build confidence or develop healthier ways of managing stress before it becomes overwhelming.
Can I use my university or college insurance? Possibly. Coverage depends on your individual plan, provider eligibility and available benefits. Check your current plan details before booking to confirm whether your sessions may be reimbursed.
Do you offer a free consultation? Yes. We offer a free 15 minute consultation so you can connect with a potential therapist, ask questions and explore whether they may be a good fit before booking a full session.
How do I know which therapist to choose? You do not have to decide on your own. Tell us what you are looking for, your preferences and your availability, and we will help you explore potential matches within our team.
Can I attend therapy virtually? Yes. Virtual therapy is available across Ontario, subject to therapist availability and eligibility.
What if I am not sure what I need help with? That is completely okay. You do not need to know the name of a diagnosis or have a clear explanation for what you are experiencing. You can start by telling us what has felt difficult lately.
Can I use my parents’ insurance? If you are still covered under your parents’ extended health benefits, you may have additional coverage for psychotherapy beyond your student health plan. Many insurance plans allow dependent children to remain covered until age 25, although the age limit and eligibility requirements vary by insurer and plan. Some plans may allow coverage to continue beyond this age if certain conditions are met. If you are eligible under both your student plan and your parents’ plan, you may be able to coordinate benefits and receive reimbursement through both plans, subject to each insurer’s rules and your eligible expenses. Before booking, we recommend checking with both insurance providers to confirm: Whether you are still eligible as a dependent under your parents’ plan. Whether sessions with a Registered Psychotherapist are covered. Your annual coverage limit and reimbursement amount. Whether you can coordinate benefits between your student plan and your parents’ plan. Not sure what your insurance covers? Contact your insurer before your first session so you understand your options and any out of pocket costs.
You deserve support, too
You are allowed to care about your mental health while working toward your degree, building relationships and figuring out what comes next.
You do not need to earn rest, prove that things are bad enough or wait until you reach a breaking point.
If you are a student at the University of Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier University or Conestoga College and you are looking for therapy in Kitchener-Waterloo, we are here to help you find a place to start.
Let's find a therapist who feels like the right fit for you.
Contact us
Address
Opening Hours
Waterloo
370 University Ave East
Unit #105
ON N2K 3N2
226-868-2192
Mon - Fri
9:00 am – 8:00 pm
Saturday
9:00 am – 3:00 pm