Peer Support Centre: We're here to listen.
How is the PSC different from visiting counselling and clinical services?
The PSC operates on a drop in basis and our services are completely free! No intake or appointment is necessary and we offer confidential services, meaning we do not require personal information such as your student ID. The PSC is not staffed by professional psychologists, rather it is student volunteers who support students through supportive listening sessions. The PSC is a short term service, meaning we support students for just one or two sessions. Our volunteers are not equipped to provide long term support or follow up. The PSC does not provide advice. Rather, we empower you to connect to your own resources and strengths to help yourself. We believe that you are the expert in your own situation.
Is there a fee associated?
No, our services are completely free to both students and non-students
What does the PSC do?
The PSC offer supportive listening services to individuals in distress or crisis. No issue is too big or too small. We also provide referrals to both on and off campus resources. Furthermore, we engage in outreach efforts to bring awareness to various stressors that students face, and to end the stigma around mental health and reaching out for support.
Where is the PSC and when is it open?
The PSC is located in SUB (the Students’ Union Building), on the second floor 2-707, across the hall from the health centre. The PSC is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9am to 5pm. We also open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am to 7pm.
Why are you sometimes closed during your open hours?
Sometimes both our supportive listening volunteers are in sessions at the same time. If you come to the PSC during our open hours and we are closed, we encourage you to call the admin line (780- 492-4268) or head to our website to make an appointment at a later time! Feel free to check out the resources on our website or call our friends over at the Distress Line (780-482-4357), if you can’t wait for an appointment for support.
Can I come back more than once?
The PSC is a short term service. Typically we see students only one time because we do our best to empower you to connect to personal and external resources for this and future stressors. If your situation changes, or you are seeking support for a new issue, we can see you more than once. Also, if you are interested in additional resources, or just don’t feel that your situation has resolved, you can come back to the centre to obtain some more referrals
What can I do if I’m in a medical emergency?
Contact the appropriate health services! The PSC is not a health service. Instead, the health centre in SUB, 911, the University Hospital, or the 24/7 Healthlink (call 811) are some options.
Can I make an appointment?
Yes, you can! Please follow this link to schedule an appointment
Can I receive a session virtually?
Yes, you can! We offer the same confidential supportive listening services virtually. You can book a virtual appointment by selecting to meet virtually in our Calendly booking page.
Who do I contact for general information on the PSC?
Please contact the admin line (780) 492-4268 to speak with the Program Lead or one of the Coordinators. You can also email psc@su.ualberta.ca
What kind of training do PSC staff and volunteers have?
Volunteers who make it through our intensive recruitment process enter into 40 hours of mandatory training. Training is comprised of the following: suicide & crisis intervention training, supportive listening and communication skills, grief education
Can I request a presentation or workshop for my group?
Yes, you can! Please check out our most common workshops and fill out a request form for your group here.
Can I come in for a session even if I’m not a current U of A student?
Our confidential and free supportive listening services are offered for the campus community, which includes alumni, staff, and current students. Since we do not gather identifying information from clients, we would never turn anyone away.
Who can access the service?
The PSC is available primarily to support the campus community. This includes undergraduate students, graduate students, academic staff, non-academic staff, international students, students living on and off campus.
What can I talk about during a session?
Any issue that is causing you concern! We provide supportive listening services for any issue at all; no issue is too big or too small. Some of our common concerns include: exam/course stress, relationship concerns, mental health concerns, suicidal thoughts, unhealthy/abusive relationships, loss, identity concerns
How long do session usually last?
Supportive Listening sessions can take up to an hour. If you don’t have that time, we can modify a session for you, but encourage you to stop by when you have the full hour available.
Do I need to provide any personal information?
Our appointment booking platform requires an email address, which is what we will use to schedule a Google Meet appointment. This information remains confidential within the service.
Can I receive a session with a friend?
We are able to see up to two clients at a time, one in each of our two client rooms. We are not equipped to see two clients in one room, so we only do one on one sessions. That said, we do have space at our centre for a friend to wait outside of the confidential client room.
Phone
780-492-4268
Fax
780-492-7267
Email
psc@su.ualberta.ca
Monday, Wednesday, Friday
9AM - 5PM
Modified Monday, Wednesday, Friday
11AM - 3PM
Tuesday & Thursday
9AM - 7PM
Modified Tuesday & Thursday
11AM - 4PM
The Peer Support Centre will be open on modified hours from April 15th - April 19th. Our last day of service for this academic year will be April 19th. If you are in need of support please contact the Edmonton Distress Line (780-482-4357)
Upcoming Events
PSC Self-Care Event
April 3rd
Check out our Outreach Section for more information
Peer Support Centre
Room 2-707
Students' Union Building
University of Alberta
8900 - 114 Street NW
Edmonton, AB
T6G 2J7
