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2SLGBTQIA+ students support options

In partnership with SFSS Out On Campus, Health and Counselling Services is committed to addressing the unique health needs of 2SLGBTQIA+ students. We understand that health can feel complex and sometimes intimidating, and we are committed to supporting your well-being at SFU. While our services may not cover every situation perfectly, we are here to help. Below are the services we provide, along with additional off-campus resources for specialized, 2SLGBTQIA+ competent care and support.

Counselling and mental health support

The staff at Health and Counselling understand that 2SLGBTQIA+ students may navigate unique challenges related to their identities, or may prefer to work with a 2SLGBTQIA+-identified counsellor with a specialized understanding of 2SLGBTQIA+ identities and experiences.  

Alex Vanderveen (they/them) is a registered clinical counsellor offering short-term individual and group counselling for 2SLGBTQIA+ students. Individual sessions are available in-person (Surrey or Burnaby campuses), by Zoom, or by phone.

Individual counselling

To schedule a counselling session with Alex, please:

  • Email: alexhcs@sfu.ca
  • Call Health and Counselling Services reception at: 778-782-4615

Alternatively, you can book an intake appointment with any clinician by calling 778-782-4615 and request that Alex be assigned as your counsellor.

Please note, depending on demand and availability, Alex may have a waitlist. 

Meet your counsellor

Burnaby Clinic

Maggie Benston Centre, Room 0101
Bottom floor

Monday – Friday | 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Phone: 778.782.4615. Do you have accessibility needs? Visit this page.
Fax: 778.782.5781

Alex is the counsellor (temporary) for 2SLGBTQIA+ students at HCS and provides both individual and group counselling. In their counselling practice, they integrate 2SLGBTQIA+-affirmative, trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and process experiential/emotion-focused approaches. Alex aims to create a safe, inclusive space that fosters clients' well-being, self-understanding, and growth. Alex is a 2nd generation Dutch-Canadian person who also identifies as trans non-binary, queer, and neurodivergent. They completed an MA degree in Counselling Psychology at 51ÉçÇøºÚÁÏand their research focused on affirmative counselling practice with 2SLGBTQIA+ clients.

Group Counselling

Join the 2SLGBTQIA+ Questioning support group led by Alex Vanderveen. The group is a process-oriented counselling group that focuses on exploring gender and/or sexuality within a collaborative and supportive environment. Each session has a theme. Discussions and activities are designed to help members reflect upon and learn about themselves and each other.

Medical Services

Medical services on the Burnaby and Vancouver campuses are available to 51ÉçÇøºÚÁÏstudents currently enrolled in classes. These services can also be accessed via phone or virtually. You can see a doctor o°ù a nurse

This page provides information about the gender-affirming care offered at Health and Counselling.

My SSP

The Telus Health Student Support Program (My SSP) offers mental health support to 51ÉçÇøºÚÁÏand FIC students around the world. Through the My SSP app, you can access real-time assistance and explore a variety of digital resources focused on emotional health and well-being. My SSP is a valuable option for those seeking support outside of Health & Counselling's regular hours, for students living internationally, or in situations that require immediate or crisis assistance. For more details and to download the app, please visit this page.

Alex Vanderveen (They/Them)

Registered Clinical Counsellor

alexhcs@sfu.ca

On-campus resources

Health & Counselling Services

Our team of medical professionals are available on all three campuses to support your health and well-being. Book a medical appointment or a counselling appointment with us today, or check out our group programming that run throughout the year to support your success at SFU.

When booking an initial appointment, you can ask to see our Health Nurse. Our Health Nurse can help triage your needs and identify an appropriate provider. Conversely, you can for suggestions prior to booking.

Out On Campus

is SFU's 2SLGBTQIA+ centre, brought to you by the SFSS with further support from the Graduate Student Society. OOC provides a safer space for people of all genders and sexuality. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, OOC has created a  open to all 51ÉçÇøºÚÁÏand FIC students, where you can connect to SFU's queer community, access peer support from staff with mental health first aid training and other students, and join community-building events that will support your wellbeing and social connection. You can also sign up for their  where you'll receive regular updates about upcoming online events, links to online resources to support your mental health and wellbeing, and links to financial support available to you.

Hours:
Monday to Friday
9:00am to 4:00pm

Location: TC 314-N (Rotunda)

Phone: 778.782.5933
Email:
 ooc2@sfss.ca

Off-campus resources

QMUNITY

is a non-profit organization that works to improve queer, trans, and Two-Spirit lives through services, connection  and leadership. By providing a safer space, 2SLGBTQIA+ people and their allies can fully self-express while feeling welcome and included. 

Phone: 604.684.5307 ext. 108
Email:
 youth@qmunity.ca

Rainbow Refugee

is a Vancouver based community group that supports people seeking refugee protection in Canada because of persecution based on sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression (SOGIE) or HIV status.

Email: info@rainbowrefugee.ca

Health Initiative for Men (HIM)

With  throughout the Lower Mainland, is a non-profit society that aims to strengthen the health and well-being of gay men. We offer the full spectrum of gay men’s sexual health testing, as well as professional counselling, sexual health education, and an engaging mix of social and volunteer opportunities.

Phone: 604.488.1001

The Trevor Project

is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25.

Phone: 1.866.488.7386

them

is a next-generation community platform that chronicles and celebrates the stories, people and voices that are emerging and inspiring people. Topics range from pop culture and style to politics and news, all through the lens of today’s LGBTQ community.

AMSSA

is a unique province-wide association that strengthens over 70 member agencies, as well as hundreds of community stakeholder agencies who serve immigrants and newcomers, and build culturally inclusive communities, with the knowledge, resources and support they need to fulfill their mandates.

Phone: 604.718.2780
Email:
 amssa@amssa.org

Healing in Colour

 offers a directory of BIPOC therapists who are committed to values supporting BIPOC in all intersections.

MindMapBC

 allows people seeking out counselling services to more easily identify low-cost, sliding-scale, and free services with an additional opportunity to filter 2SLGBTQIA+ affirming services.

Crisis lines

Trans Lifeline

is a trans-led organization that connects trans people to the community, support, and resources they need to survive and thrive.

Phone: 877.330.6366

Crisis Centre of BC

(Crisis Centre) is a non-profit, volunteer organization committed to helping people help themselves and others deal with crisis. The centre has been providing emotional support to youth, adults and seniors in distress since 1969.  As a safe place to turn when there seems to be no hope, the Crisis Centre is operated by 425+ frontline volunteers and a small team of professional staff who support and empower individuals to see their own strengths and options, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Distress line: 1.800.784.2433

Mental Health Support Line

This number will connect you to your local BC crisis line without a wait or busy signal, 24 hours a day. Crisis line workers are trained to help provide emotional support as well as mental health information and resources.

Phone: 310.6789 (no area code required)