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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 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 five health centres throughout the Lower Mainland, Health Initiative for Men 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
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
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
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
Healing in Colour offers a directory of BIPOC therapists who are committed to values supporting BIPOC in all intersections.
MindMapBC
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.
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
Crisis Centre of BC
The Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention 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)