Counselling Services Frequently Asked Questions

Counsellors are here to support you with any concern or goal requiring support during your time at Sask Polytech. Students come into counselling for a variety of reasons, such as:

• Abuse – sexual, emotional, physical
• Academic and program needs
• Basic needs
• Cultural adaptation
• Grief and loss
• Mental health concerns (e.g., depression, anxiety, and addictions)
• Personal identity
• Relationship difficulties
• Stress 
• Supporting positive change
• Thoughts of suicide

Confidentiality is central to the counselling relationship. Any information you have shared with your counsellor will remain confidential as we are bound by a code of ethics and professional guidelines.

To protect your privacy, your counsellor will not approach you in public; however, you are welcome to initiate contact with them if you would like.

There are times when private information would be released without signed consent. These times include when:

• There is a reason to believe that you are at imminent danger of harming yourself or others
• You share, or your counsellor believes, that another person (including children and vulnerable persons) is at risk for serious harm
• Your file is subpoenaed or requested by court of law.

When private information needs to be released, counsellors will only share relevant information to ensure safety. 

Counselling is open to all currently registered Sask Polytech students. 

Most appointments occur between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Some limited evening spots are also available. 

Session frequency can be anywhere from once a week to once a month depending on student preference and need.

Students are free to leave counselling at anytime or request the services of another counsellor. 

Although sessions will vary in length, a typical appointment will last approximately 50 minutes. 

If you are open to seeing any counsellor across the province, wait times are generally less than a day. If you are requesting a specific counsellor, the wait time can be a week or more.

If you are unable to attend, please contact the counsellor you are scheduled with, the counselling email (counselling@saskpolytech.ca) or call the campus office you are attending. We appreciate as much notice as you can provide. 

Sask Polytech counsellors are knowledgeable about the institution’s policies and procedures and can refer you to the appropriate supports for your situation. Counsellors do not typically provide notes to instructors, but may in exceptional circumstances. 

Participating in counselling is voluntary. Counsellors do not report back to the referral source or programs regarding your attendance. Students have a right to refuse counselling and a right to refuse to participate interventions offered by the counsellor.