Free Counselling for University Students

Since 2012, REACH has partnered with Third Space Charity to deliver free, supervised counselling for UBC Okanagan students in Kelowna, BC—on campus and online. We provide 1,000+ student sessions each year (part of 20,000+ free hours), cutting wait times and removing cost barriers to care

HIGH

ANXIETY (64.5%)

STRESS (60.6%)

FEEL HOPELESS (59.6%)

DEPRESSION (44.4%)

SUICIDAL (13%)

1. Identify the Problem & Gap

Studies showed growing rates stress, anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts in university students. Students had 2–3 week waits for counselling and limited multi-session mental care options, even with Student Health Plan benefits.

Reach, Free counselling for university students program, Student sitting at a library study bar between tall bookshelves, facing a bright window

2. Partner with Professionals

REACH teamed up with Third Space Charity and UBCO and registered clinical supervisors to host master’s-level counselling interns.

University of åçBritish Columbia logo featuring stylized waves and sunburst
Third Space Charity logo in white text over a bright yellow block background
University of British Columbia Okanagan Student Union logo featuring stylized waves and sunburst

3. Launch the Solution

Beginning in 2012, REACH offered free, bookable sessions on campus and online. In 2020 we expanded supervision and doubled counsellors, enabling hundreds of students per semester to access care.

free counselling for university students program from REACH, student speaking with a counsellor

4. Feedback & Accountability

Ongoing student surveys, supervisor reviews, and partner check-ins shaped continuous improvements including faster access, added evening/virtual options, and clear referral pathways.

Group photo of diverse adults in an indoor meeting space under hanging lights

13-Year Results

Because of the generosity of their donors, REACH was able to provide 1,350 hours of free counselling to over 200 students in the first year. Regular feedback collection, reviews and surveys allowed the program to grow to bring over 20,000 free counselling sessions to university students in just 13 years and continues to grow.

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Total counselling sessions donated
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University student counselling sessions per year
Master’s Level Interns Supervised
Employees

Working With

Third Space Charity logo in white text over a bright yellow block background
University of åçBritish Columbia logo featuring stylized waves and sunburst
University of British Columbia Okanagan Student Union logo featuring stylized waves and sunburst

2025/2026 Featured Initiative:

FREE COUNSELLING SERVICES FOR TEACHERS

Providing teachers free, lived-experience counselling delivered by counsellors who have also been teachers, reducing burnout and strengthening retention. (Starting in Kelowna, BC)

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More About REACH

Explore who we are and how we deliver lasting care. Meet Our Team, follow Our Story from 1982 to 20,000+ hours of free counselling, and see the REACH Model, the four-step approach we use to identify gaps, partner with professionals, launch accessible services, and keep improving.

OUR TEAM

Meet the leaders and partners behind REACH’s impact.

OUR STORY

From 1982 to today, view key milestones and movement.

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