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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 rapid access/intake appointment with Alex, please:
Call Health and Counselling Services reception at: 778-782-4615
Or email Alex at alex_vanderveen@hcs1.sfu.ca
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.
Fax: 778.782.5781
Do you have accessibility needs? Visit this page.
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 SFU and 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 SFU students currently enrolled in classes. These services can also be accessed via phone or virtually. You can see a doctor or 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 SFU and 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.
Out On Campus
Out on Campus is SFU’s 2SLGBTQIA+ centre that offers peer support, crisis referrals, educational materials, safer sex & menstrual supplies, and more!
Centre hours: Monday to Friday, 9AM to 4PM
Location: Student Union Building (SUB) 2230, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, British Columbia V5A1S6
QMUNITY
QMUNITY is a non-profit organization that works to improve queer, trans, and Two-Spirit lives through services, connection and leadership. Qmunity offers services for youth, senior and older adults, a counselling program, peer support groups, employment support services, a trans ID clinic, and volunteer program.
Hours: Monday to Friday, 10AM to 6PM
Location: 1170 Bute Street, Vancouver, BC, V6E 1Z6
Additional contact information: https://qmunity.ca/contact/
Rainbow Refugee
Rainbow Refugee is based in Vancouver and promotes safe, equitable migration and fosters communities of belonging for individuals fleeing persecution related to their Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC) or HIV status.
Location: 1033 Davie Street, Suite 620, Vancouver, BC
Email: info@rainbowrefugee.ca
Contact form: https://rainbowrefugee.ca/contact-us/
Health Initiative for Men (HIM)
Health Initiative for Men is a nonprofit society that aims to strengthen the health and well-being in communities of self-identified GBQ men and gender diverse people in BC. We offer a full spectrum of health-based programming and services to meet the sexual, mental, physical and social health needs of communities of self-identified GBQ men and gender diverse people in BC.
Hours: Varied by location
Location: Three active health centres in the Lower Mainland
Email: office@checkhimout.ca
Main office phone (general inquiries): 604.488.1001
The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project is the leading suicide prevention and crisis intervention nonprofit organization for LGBTQ+ young people. We provide information & support to LGBTQ+ young people 24/7, all year round.
Contact information for crisis support: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help/
Peer support login: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/visit-trevorspace/
them
Them is the award-winning authority on what it means to be LGBTQ+ today — and tomorrow. From in-depth storytelling on the fight for LGBTQ+ rights to intimate profiles of queer cultural vanguards, we're a platform for all of the bold and rebellious ways that LGBTQ+ people are reshaping our world every day.
Healing in Colour
Healing in Colour offers a directory of BIPOC therapists who are committed to values supporting BIPOC in all intersections.
MindMapBC
MindMapBC is a database of outpatient mental health services including professional counselling, peer counselling, support groups, and others. Services are focused on those that are affirming of 2SLGBTQIA+ people and where possible, services that are free, low-cost, or sliding scale, and self-referral services.
Trans Lifeline
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
General Emergency Contacts
Visit our Emergency Contacts page for additional supports and resources.