Get Support
Source: https://cumming.ucalgary.ca/pgme/wellbeing/office-resident-affairs-and-physician-wellness/get-support Parent: https://cumming.ucalgary.ca/pgme/future-trainees
The Office of Resident Affairs and Physician Wellness provides free and confidential counselling, occupational therapy and peer support. UCalgary medical trainees can connect with our counselling team for support with a variety of mental health and well-being concerns.
Book an Appointment What To Expect
How do I see a counsellor?
- Please use our online booking service found here
- Select Counselling: Initial Appointment or Occupational Therapy: Initial Appointment
- Put in your up-to-date information and complete the consent form.
- Select a date and time that works for you and a therapist.
- If the available times don’t work for your schedule, please email residentwellness@ucalgary.ca or call 403.210.6525 and we will find a time that works for you.
Who can use the services
All residents, fellows, ex-terns and trainees associated with UCalgary’s Post Graduate Medical Education Office (PGME) are welcome to access all services offered by the Office of Resident Affairs and Physician Wellness (ORAPW).
How do I prepare for counselling?
Before you meet with a counsellor, consider what you want to be different as a result of accessing counselling. Think about how you'll know if counselling is (or has been) helping? Please try to ensure that you are in a quiet space where you can focus completely on the conversation between you and the counsellor.
Do you offer virtual mental health services?
Yes. Knowing that our residents are located across Alberta, our counsellors, occupational therapist and peer supporters provide virtual sessions Monday – Friday.
What happens if I need to cancel an appointment?
We understand that residents are busy and that you may need to cancel an appointment. We ask that you please notify us at residentwellness@ucalgary.ca or by calling 403-210-6525 as soon as possible so that we can book another client into that timeslot.
What is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapy (OT) is here to support any activity you are having challenges with. The aim is to focus on strategies to assist with success, and if these are not sufficient, potential environmental adaptations or even possible accommodations may be an option. Julie Munch is our OT and she can have a confidential meeting with you to discuss any questions you may have.
Is there a cap on the number of appointments I can receive?
Trainees are not limited to a certain number of sessions. We ask that you only book one session at a time to allow you to engage in the next steps or plans co-created during your previous session. This will help you maximize your counselling experience.
Are the sessions confidential?
Counselling, occupational therapy and peer support through our office is completely confidential. Everything you say during a session, is kept between you and your supporter. We are a separate entity from PGME so our information and client list are not shared with them or any other entity.
How much does it cost?
Counselling, occupational therapy and peer support sessions offered through the Office of Resident Affairs and Physician Wellness are completely free.
Experiencing bullying or harassment?
The Office of Resident Affairs can help you cope with the pain and frustration of bullying/ harassment and general mistreatment that you may experience during residency. The Directors of Resident Support is a resource created specifically for handling mistreatment issues. We recommend working with both of our offices simultaneously to receive the best support possible during these situations. If you have questions about this, please email residentwellness@ucalgary.ca
Who are the therapists?
Please find our therapist's biographies here.
Where is the office located?
We are located on the Foothills Campus just left of the Libin Theatre. If you are having trouble locating us, please call 403-210-6525.
Our address is –
Cumming School of Medicine
University of Calgary, Health Sciences Room G259
3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4N1
Additional Mental Health Support
General
Distress Centre
- 24/7 support
- Text or call 403-266-HELP(4357)
- Website
988 Suicide Crisis Hotline
- 24/7 support
- Toll-free call or text 988
- Website
Association of Alberta Sexual Assault Services
- 9 am – 9 pm
- Call or text 1-866-403-8000
- Website
Physician Specific
Physician and Family Support Program (PFSP)
- 24/7 support
- Toll-free call 1-877-767-4637
- Website
Other UCalgary Supports
Precision Equity and Social Justice Office (PESJO)
For concerns relating to equity, diversity, inclusion, professionalism, conflict resolution, or other issues, please contact Dr. Pamela Chu at pesjo@ucalgary.ca (confidential email).
Directors of Resident Support
For concerns related to mistreatment, harassment or bullying in residency. The Directors of Resident Support are a confidential resource, here to support you and guide you through the process—whether you choose to report or not.
Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Support Team
The team can assist with several supports including education on sexual violence and trauma; reporting options on- and off-campus; navigating systems and resources; requesting academic, professional or resident accommodations; referrals to counselling; medical and legal services; and just listening if you want to disclose a situation you have had.
Faith and Spirituality Centre
Faith leaders from a variety of religious backgrounds that can provide one-on-one spiritual care or connect you to a community.