The mental health resource landscape for students in Kingston is more developed than most students realize when they arrive. The challenge is knowing what exists, how to access it, and what to do when the university system has a waitlist. This guide covers the options that are actually accessible — not just the ones that exist on paper.
Queen's University Mental Health Services
Student Wellness Services (SWS)
The primary counselling resource for Queen's students. Walk-in same-day appointments are available for urgent concerns. For ongoing counselling, there's a waitlist that can run several weeks during peak periods (September-October and January-February). Same-day appointments are available through the Student Wellness Services at the JDUC — call or walk in at opening time if you need to be seen that day.
Services are free for Queen's students covered by OHIP or the student health plan.
Good2Talk
Province-wide student mental health helpline available 24/7. Call 1-866-925-5454 or text GOOD2TALKON to 686868. This is a real counsellor, not an automated system. Available any time, immediately, at no cost. Use this when the regular counselling waitlist isn't an option and you need to talk to someone today.
Student-run Peer Support (Queen's)
Queen's has several student-run support programs — Queen's Peer Support Line, trained student volunteers who provide non-judgmental listening. These aren't counsellors but they're available outside regular hours and are free. Contact information through the AMS website.
Loyalist College Mental Health Services
Loyalist has a Student Wellness Centre that provides counselling services to students. The centre uses a brief counselling model — a set number of sessions focused on specific concerns. For ongoing support, they provide referrals to community resources. Contact the Wellness Centre through the Loyalist student services portal or in person at the college.
Kingston Community Mental Health Resources
Canadian Mental Health Association — Kingston Branch
The Kingston CMHA offers community mental health support including drop-in programs, peer support, and referral services. Some programs are available regardless of whether you're currently connected with a family doctor. Their website lists current programs and waitlist status.
Addiction and Mental Health Services — Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington (AMHS-KFLA)
The main community mental health agency for the Kingston region. Provides crisis services, outpatient programs, and longer-term support. Accepts walk-in referrals for crisis situations. For non-emergency, a referral from a doctor or direct self-referral starts the process.
Crisis Line — 613-544-4229
Kingston's local 24/7 crisis line. Not just for emergencies — available whenever you need to talk to someone and other options aren't available. Staffed by trained crisis counsellors.
If You Need a Family Doctor in Kingston
Many students in Kingston don't have a local family doctor, which creates access barriers for mental health referrals. Options:
- Queen's Student Wellness Services provides physician services — you don't need an outside doctor for campus mental health support
- Kingston Community Health Centres accepts patients without a family doctor for some services
- Ontario Health's Health Care Connect (1-800-445-1822) matches people without a doctor to accepting family physicians in the area
Apps and Self-Help Resources (Free)
- Calm and Headspace: Both offer free tiers with guided meditation. Queen's provides free access to Calm through the student wellness program — check the SWS website for the current access code.
- BounceBack: Free online cognitive behavioural therapy skills program available through the CMHA. Works through guided workbooks and phone coaching. No waitlist.
- MindShift CBT: Free app designed for anxiety management, developed by Anxiety Canada.
How do Queen's students access free counselling in Kingston?
Student Wellness Services at the JDUC provides free counselling to Queen's students. Walk-in same-day appointments are available for urgent concerns; ongoing counselling involves a waitlist. Good2Talk (1-866-925-5454) is available 24/7 for immediate support at no cost.
What do you do if you need mental health support in Kingston outside of business hours?
Good2Talk (1-866-925-5454 or text GOOD2TALKON to 686868) is available 24/7 with live counsellors. The Kingston local crisis line (613-544-4229) is also 24/7. For emergencies, Kingston General Hospital has emergency mental health services.
Is there a waitlist for student counselling at Queen's?
Yes, for ongoing counselling during peak periods (September-October, January-February). Same-day walk-in appointments are available for urgent concerns. If the waitlist is a barrier, Good2Talk, peer support programs, and the BounceBack online CBT program provide alternatives while waiting.
