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Support when you need it

SFU students now have access to My SSP and Here2Talk

My SSP provides students with more options. See below for the key differences between the two programs.

The BC Provincial Government announced a new mental health support program for post-secondary students in BC on April 16 titled Here2Talk.

Here2Talk is offered by the same parent company as My SSP (Morneau Shepell). My SSP, our SFU-student-specific support program, offers the support options available through Here2Talk, and much more.

Key differences between the two programs include: 

  • My SSP offers ongoing support by appointment  
  • My SSP offers on-demand core support in 6 languages; Here2Talk offers support in 2 languages
  • My SSP has additional languages available upon request
  • My SSP support can refer back to campus services as appropriate
  • My SSP allows for staff & faculty consultation
  • My SSP allows customizing app content
  • My SSP allows for assisted and monitored referrals from SFU staff and faculty (with student consent)
  • My SSP conducts outreach calls to students to coordinate support 
  • My SSP offers mental health first aid training, and other customized seminars
  • My SSP has the ability to extend services to the broader SFU campus community upon request 

 

Confidential service

My SSP is confidential within the limits of the law. No one - including family, friends or professors - will know you've accessed unless you choose to tell them. Learn more here.

Culturally relevant  

You can request specific counsellor options (eg. religious identification, gender identification, etc.).

In-person appointments

Call to book an appointment with a My SSP registered clinical counsellor in Metro Vancouver, or make an appointment by video or phone if preferred or abroad.

Multiple languages  

Access counselling and support services in multiple languages, including French, Korean, Chinese, Arabic, Spanish and more.

24/7 Call or chat

Access 24/7 counselling support with a registered clinical counsellor through the app or by phone any time of day, from anywhere in the world.

Supportive resources  

The My SSP app has articles and videos on a range of positive mental health topics relevant to students.

All SFU students can access free counselling support from anywhere in the world by phone or through the app

Students can book in-person, phone, or video appointments with registered clinical counsellors. Immediate support or counselling is also available 24/7 by phone or chat.

 

Access to My SSP Outside of US or Canada:

Stay connected!  Students can connect with a Student Support Advisor via chat and call function while traveling outside of the US and Canada. 

To use chat, you must have access to your provider network (data access) or a Wi-Fi connection. 

1.     The chat function through the free My SSP app works as it would if you were accessing from within Canada or the US. If you are experiencing difficulties, check your internet connectivity. Please also note that some countries may have additional firewall protections in place that block certain apps. If this is the case, consider calling in to My SSP instead.

The following are 2 options for making a call to My SSP outside of the US or Canada:

1.     Make an international call using your phone service provider network.  International calling charges can be applied in one of two ways:

a.     Student calls directly from My SSP app or direct (1.416.380.6579).  To call internationally, you must have international calling enabled on your phone. International calling charges apply.

b.     You may opt to “call collect” to have the charges reversed back to My SSP.  To do this, you must find the collect call service for the country in which you are located, dial the number, and request to make a collect call to 1.416.380.6579.  My SSP will accept the charges and you will be connected to a Student Support Advisor.

                                               i.     Please be aware that when using the call collect option, the My SSP autoattendant messaging is by passed and you will be connected directly with a respresentative. Please explain that you are a student looking to access the My SSP services from outside Canada/US.

2.     Call via Wi-Fi connection*.  To call via Wi-Fi, certain conditions must be met:

a.     You must be using a Wi-Fi-calling capable phone

                                               i.     Wi-Fi calling must be turned on. 

b.     Your service provider supports Wi-Fi calling

c.     Troubleshooting: If you are unable to make or receive Wi-Fi calls, it may be due to one of the following reasons:

                                               i.     Device does not support Wi-Fi calling.

                                              ii.     Device does not have the latest system update available

                                            iii.     Service plan does not include Wi-Fi calling

                                            iv.     Emergency address for Wi-Fi calling not set up (service providers are required by FCC to support 911 calls and collect a registered location to enable the service)

                                              v.     The Wi-Fi calling setting is turned off in device settings

                                            vi.     Wi-Fi calling is blocked on user’s phone line

                                           vii.     No Wi- Fi network connection

For more information about Wi-Fi calling including links to major US carriers policies go to: https://www.cnet.com/news/what-you-need-to-know-about-wifi-calling/

*NOTE: making calls over Wi-Fi can still come out of your regular minutes allowance and be charges as an international call depending on your phone plan.  Be sure to read the policies of your carrier to see if there are any potential restrictions and charges related to your situation.

How does it work?

Reach by phone

  • You'll be asked to provide some information so My SSP can offer you tailored support based on your identity, your community, and your needs. Your personal information is not shared with SFU.
  • You can book an appointment with a registered clinical counsellor in a preferred area of town
  • You can ask to speak with a counsellor over the phone

Download the App

  • You'll be prompted to enter some information so My SSP can offer you tailored support based on your identity, your community, and your needs. Your personal information is not shared with SFU.
  • You'll have immediate access to call or chat options so you can talk things out with a professional in real-time.
  • The app will also give you access to tools and resources that can equip you for handling multiple challenges as a student.

Everyone is encouraged to download the free app at the start of their first term at SFU.

What would I talk about?

My SSP is available to support all SFU students with a range of concerns. You can contact My SSP if you're looking for some extra guidance or support, or if you're in a state of crisis or distress.

Some examples of reasons to contact My SSP:

  • I'm fighting with my friend and I don't know what to do.
  • I'm feeling overwhelmed. I don't know what I want to do with my life.
  • My best friend is going through something and I don't know how to help.
  • I broke up with my partner and I'm having a really hard time coping.
  • School is really stressful and I'm finding it hard to be motivated.
  • I'm new to Canada and I'm feeling lonely and far from people I love.
  • My family wants different things for me then what I want for myself.
  • I can't find my people. I feel like I don't fit in.
  • I'm stressed and worried about money all the time.
  • I'm in crisis and need to talk to someone now

 

Other general topics:

  • Loneliness
  • Stress and anxiety
  • Identity
  • Relationship conflicts or challenges
  • Managing work/life balance
  • Chronic health concerns
  • Performance anxiety
  • Homesickness
  • Cultural adjustment
  • Coping mechanisms
  • Helping a friend in crisis

Reach by phone:
Call 1.844.451.9700

Outside of North America?
Call 001.416.380.6578

Download My SSP on your mobile device:

"It was helpful to be able to book an appointment with a counsellor close to my house, especially since I didn't have to wait long."

- SFU Student

"I like having access to the chat feature and knowing I can use it whenever I want. Especially when I have to chat about my stresses or sort things out in my head."

- SFU Student

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