Student Mental Health Policy

Policy Number: SS-3209-2025

Policy Title: Student Mental Health Policy

Policy Owner: Vice President, Corporate Services & Vice President, Students and International

Effective Date: July 24, 2025

Last Revised: July 24, 2025

1. Purpose

The mental health and well-being of Mohawk College students are prioritized to support their academic success and lifelong achievement. This is fostered by creating a safe, inclusive, equity based and compassionate culture that is supported by a comprehensive range of college mental health and well-being services and community partnerships.

The purpose of this policy is to increase awareness of, and ease of access to, the range of mental health and well-being supports, services, programs and resources and accessible spaces provided at Mohawk College and within the community.

2. Application and Scope

This policy applies to all members of the Mohawk College community including Governors, executive and senior leaders, employees and students. The mental health and well-being of students are a shared and collective responsibility of the entire Mohawk College community.

This policy outlines the college’s student-centered principles and approaches to mental health and well-being and provides information on the mental health and well-being supports, services, programs and resources available.

3. Definitions

“Accountable Spaces” means a place or environment where all members of the college community can openly discuss difficult challenges and issues in a mutually respectful manner, without fear of attack, exclusion or discrimination, while being accountable for their own intentions, impacts, words and actions.

“Acute distress” means overwhelming and extreme feelings that affect a student’s functioning.

“Assess” or “Assessment” is gathering relevant information about a student’s concern, history, strengths and needs.

“At risk” means students who have a higher probability of not progressing or meeting expectations academically, personally or socially.

“Crisis” means when a student’s mental health deteriorates and requires urgent and potentially immediate assistance.

“Diversity” is the wide range of differences among individuals and groups that are both visible and invisible.

“Equity” means where resources, responsibilities and opportunities are distributed fairly, addressing current and historically disadvantaged groups.

“Help seeking” means looking for or asking for help from others.

“Inclusion” means where members of the college community are recognized, respected and welcomed and feel free to share their perspectives and participate in shaping the community.

“Indigenous” in the context of this document refers to the groups who are Indigenous to Turtle Island (North America), also called the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit.

“Mental health” is a state of positive well-being in which individuals can work towards achieving their potential, enjoy their lives and can cope with usual life stresses.

“Mental illness and mental health concerns” means alterations in mood, thinking or behaviour that cause distress and impact functioning.

“Mental health literacy” is knowledge about mental health disorders and how to recognize, respond and prevent them.

“Peer support” is a supportive relationship founded on shared lived experiences.

“Resiliency” is the ability to cope with life’s challenges.

“Screen” is a standard list of questions asked to determine if specific problems or conditions exist.

“Stigma” is internalized shame or negative or discriminatory attitudes others hold about mental health.

“Well-being” is a holistic state of mental, physical, spiritual and social health that enables students to thrive in their lives.

4. Principles

4.1 Student Mental Health Programs, Services and Supports

Mohawk College is committed to providing a range of student-centered programs and services to address student mental health needs. These programs and supports include pro-active, upstream measures to raise awareness of mental health issues, encourage constructive help seeking, reduce stigma, and foster and build capacity around mental health flourishing and the social determinants of mental and emotional well-being. The College is also committed to responding to student health accessibility needs, mental illness and mental health through interventions, treatment and the facilitation of access to appropriate response services reflective of student mental health needs. See Appendix A for a list of mental health supports and services.

As part of the college’s commitment to providing responsive mental health and well-being supports and services, all employees are required to take mandatory training as required by the College.

4.2 Student-Centered Approach

The needs, barriers and solutions regarding mental health and well-being are generated through student engagement and input from employees.

4.3 Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility

Equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) is a strategic priority for the college. The fair treatment and full participation of all students is supported, especially those who have been traditionally underrepresented. Mohawk College has a robust Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Action Plan and is committed to nurturing an equitable, diverse and inclusive environment for all.

4.4 Indigenous Learner Supports

Truth and Reconciliation and Indigenous learners’ success are a strategic priority of the college. Indigenous learners have holistic services available to them via Indigenous Student Services to support their mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing, along with access to the numerous services across campus. Learners may reach out to the Centre of Indigenous Relations, Knowledge, and Learning for Indigenous courses & academic questions.

4.5 Privacy and Confidentiality

The College shall ensure the privacy and confidentiality of students accessing mental health services in accordance with the service area “Confidentiality” Procedures. Information will be collected, stored and disclosed in compliance with FIPPA and PHIPA as required and with appropriate safeguards.

Students’ privacy and confidentiality in accessing mental health and medical services is upheld in all instances unless otherwise legislatively indicated. The College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario, College of Social Work and Canadian Medical Association each follow PHIPA compliance.

With respect to reporting, all information collected will only be disclosed in aggregate format to fulfill the requirements to report to the Board on an annual basis.

4.6 Culturally Responsive Services

Mental health services are culturally responsive in recognition of the diversity of students’ backgrounds and experiences.

4.7 Holistic approach

Well-being is achieved by considering the physical, emotional, social and spiritual aspects of students.

4.8 Collaboration and Partnerships

Internal and community partnerships are established to respond to the complex factors that affect student mental health and well-being.

4.9 Prevention and Early Intervention

Mental health awareness including information on mental health supports available are designed to help reduce stigma and increase early help seeking by students, in an effort to reduce or prevent the escalation of mental health concerns.

4.10 Reduce Undue Stress

Consistent student-centered policies and procedures that reduce additional stress and barriers while also upholding academic standards and expectations are endorsed.

4.11 Culture of Care

The college is an environment where all students feel engaged, included, valued, and supported in their personal and academic success.

4.12 Systems and Environmental Approach

Student mental health is recognized as being inextricably connected to broader economic, social, spiritual, cultural, environmental and policy factors.

4.13 Knowledge Informed

The services provided are informed by lived experiences, evidence-based and practice-based knowledge.

5. Accountability and Compliance

5.1 Accountability Framework

This policy has been approved by the Senior Leadership Team.

5.2 Compliance

The Vice President Corporate Services and the Vice President, Students and International will ensure that this policy is applied and that actions comply with applicable legislation.

6. Roles and Responsibilities

6.1 Board of Governors

Foster a culture that prioritizes student mental health and well-being at an institutional level.
Champion mental health and well-being by allocating and approving appropriate funding for services, training and resources.

6.2 Students

Engage in mental health and well-being activities and seek help as needed.
Engage in creating and maintaining a culture of respect, inclusivity and caring.
Engage in opportunities to provide feedback on initiatives and policies related to mental health and well-being activities.

6.3 Employees

Create and deliver welcoming, healthy, safe, accountable and inclusive spaces and services.
Refer students to appropriate college and community resources and supports when necessary
Support the development of policies, processes and curriculum that promote student mental health and well-being.

6.4 Managers

Create physical environments and virtual spaces that are welcoming, healthy, safe, accountable, caring and inclusive.
Ensure that decision making prioritizes mental health and well-being of students.
Engage students in decision making about mental health and well-being programs and policies at the college.
Establish consistent, equitable policies and procedures across the college that assist students with mental health difficulties.
Facilitate collaborations with external organizations to address the social, economic, environmental, cultural and spiritual factors that impact student mental health and well-being.
Determine the human, financial and material resources needed and available to implement the policy.

7. Continuum of Mental Health and Well-Being Services

Mohawk College provides a range of services and interventions to optimize student well-being and respond to mental health concerns. These are collaboratively developed and delivered within the college and with external partners. Services are delivered in accordance with relevant legislation. A list of all services are included below in Appendix A.

7.1 Promotion and Prevention

The target of mental health and well-being promotion and prevention activities is all students. The goals are to increase mental health literacy and resiliency skills and to reduce stigma and potential harm. This includes mental health and well-being campaigns, peer support and mentorship initiatives, and health and well-being workshops.

7.2 Early Intervention services

The target of early intervention services are students who identify or are identified as needing support, information or resources, or are at risk. The goals of early intervention are to screen and assess student need, reduce stress, increase resiliency, and provide appropriate college or community resources. This includes all of the supports available through Academic Support Services and Student Services.

7.3 Specialized mental health services

The target of specialized mental health services are students who identify or are identified as needing specialized, professional support including counselling and health services. This includes short term psychotherapy by counsellors and mental health assessment and support by physicians and nurses. Consultations around student mental health concerns are also provided for employees through the Health and Wellness Centre (see Appendix A).

7.4 Referrals to Resources and Case Management

All college employees can direct students to college and community resources through Appendix A or by directing them to Health and Wellness Centre webpage.

Wellness Care Coordinators support students including those with complex mental health needs through case management and referrals.

7.5 Crisis Intervention and Post Crisis Care

Immediate response is available to assess, support and refer students in acute distress or crisis and to ensure that proper emergency mental health follow up occurs through post-crisis care, community medical care and needed academic accommodations.

Protocols and training exist for suicide intervention, self-harm, well-being checks and critical incidents. Recommendations are made to restrict the means for suicide on college campuses and locations. Employees can access Responding to Students in Distress Guide and Campus and Community Resource Guides.

7.6 College Review and Reporting on Student Mental Health Programs, Services and Supports

7.6.1 In accordance with the privacy guidelines identified in this Policy and other statutory privacy obligations, the College shall collect data regarding student mental health through service use statistics and participation in health promotion and well-being programming.

7.6.2 The College shall provide opportunities for voluntary student feedback and input on mental health services and mental health needs through student experience surveys and other quantitative and qualitative data collection tools.

7.6.3 The College shall report on an annual basis to the Mohawk College Board of Governors and Ministry of Colleges and Universities the following regarding student mental health programs, services and supports:

Anonymized service usage data for the following services: Student Health Services, Student Counselling Services, and Accessible Learning Services.
An impact report identifying trends in student mental health needs and any relevant plans to address identified gaps in service needs or emerging trends.

8. Policy Revision

8.1 Revision Date

July 2030

8.2 Responsibility

The Vice President, Corporate Services and the Vice President, Students and International will review this policy every five years, or earlier as required. Policy review and amendments will include consultation with the College community, students, faculty and staff.

8.3 Annual Reports

The Office of the Vice President, Students and International on behalf of the College will provide an annual report to the College’s Board of Governors, as required by Section 19 of the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities Act (MTCU Act) that includes the implementation and effectiveness of its student mental health policy in the preceding year. The annual report will include service usage, outreach and engagement data. The report will be publicly posted online in February of each year beginning 2026.

9. Attachments

Appendix A Student Mental Health Supports and Services

10. Specific Links

SS-3201-2013 Academic Accommodation for Students with Accessibility Needs Policy

SS-3105-2009 Academic Appeals Policy

AS-2010-2008 Academic Integrity Policy

GC-4300-2013 Accessibility Policy (AODA)

CS-1321-2024 Employee Code of Conduct Policy

CS-1401-1979 Health and Safety Policy

CS-1508-2020 Information Governance and Security Policy

CS-1317-2012 Respectful Workplace Policy (Anti-Harassment and Anti-Discrimination Policy)

GC-4302-2015 Sexual Assault and Sexualized Violence Policy

SS-3200-2006 Student Behaviour Policy

GC-4301-1982 Student Human Rights Policy

CS-1402-2012 Violence Prevention and Protection Policy

Mohawk College’s Privacy and Legal Statements

Mohawk College’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Action Plan

MTCU Act

Occupational Health and Safety Act

Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act

Personal Health Information Protection Act

Strengthening Accountability and Student Supports Act, 2024

Appendix A: Student Mental Health Supports & Services

College Supports & Services

Counselling and Health Services

Phone: 905-575-2211
Email: hwc [at] mohawkcollege.ca (hwc[at]mohawkcollege[dot]ca)
mohawkcollege.ca/hwc

Indigenous Student Services Counselling

Phone: 905-575-1212 x 3428
mohawkcollege.ca/indigenous-students/programs-and-services/counselling

Accessible Learning Services

Phone: 905-575-2122
Email: als [at] mohawkcollege.ca (als[at]mohawkcollege[dot]ca)
mohawkcollege.ca/accessible-learning-services

Security Services

Phone: 905-575-2033
Email: security [at] mohawkcollege.ca (security[at]mohawkcollege[dot]ca)
mohawkcollege.ca/Security

Sexual Assault and Sexualized Violence Support

Phone: 365-226-0594
Email: SV-GBVSupport [at] mohawkcollege.ca (SV-GBVSupport[at]mohawkcollege[dot]ca)
mohawkcollege.ca/sexual-assault-and-sexualized-violence-support

Health Insurance

Health & Dental Insurance (All Full-time Students)

Guardme Health Insurance (International Students)

Community Supports & Services

Post-Secondary Mental Health Information

Centre for Innovation in Campus Mental Health

Suicide Crisis Helpline

Call or text 988

COAST

COAST (Crisis Outreach and Support Team)

COAST Hamilton

905-972-8338
coasthamilton.ca

COAST Brantford

519-759-7188

COAST Halton

1-877-825-9011

COAST Peel

905-278-9036

Sexual Assault Centre, Hamilton and Area

Supports people who have experienced sexualized violence at any point in their lives. 905-525-4162 | sacha.ca

Aboriginal Health Centre

Supports the health and well-being of Indigenous individuals, families and communities through wholistic Indigenous, Traditional and Western healthcare.
905-544-4320 | info [at] dahac.com (info[at]dahac[dot]com)
aboriginalhealthcentre.com

Distress Centre Halton

24/7 telephone support
Hamilton: 905-561-5800
Burlington: 905-681-1488
https://www.dchalton.ca/

Canadian Mental Health Association

Non-profit community mental health agency which provides services to adults with serious mental illness.
905-521-0090 | cmhahamilton.ca
info [at] cmhahamilton.ca (info[at]cmhahamilton[dot]ca)

Barrett Centre

Mental health and crisis support centre
24-Hour Crisis Line: 905-529-7878
Toll-Free: 1-844-777-3571
Women’s Services Crisis: 905-523-6277
https://goodshepherdcentres.ca/services/barrett-centre-for-crisis-support/

Native Women’s Centre

Safe emergency shelter services
905-664-1114 or 1-888-308-6559
nativewomenscentre.com

Connex Ontario

Information about gambling, drugs, alcohol, or mental health services.
1-866-531-2600 | connexontario.ca

Youth Wellness Centre

Mental health and substance use care by self-referral ages 17 to 25.
905-522-1155 ext. 31725
YWCintake [at] stjoes.ca (YWCintake[at]stjoes[dot]ca)
reachouthamilton.ca

Crisis Services Canada

Text support available 4pm-12am ET by texting 45645
crisisservicescanada.ca

Good2Talk

Confidential helpline for post-secondary students
1-866-925-5454 | good2talk.ca
Text GOOD2TALKON to 686868

First Nations & Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line

The Hope for Wellness Helpline is available to all Indigenous people across Canada. Experienced and culturally competent counsellors are reachable by telephone and online ‘chat’ 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Phone: 1-855-242-3310
hopeforwellness.ca (for online chat)

Talk 4 Healing

Talk 4 Healing is a free and culturally safe telephone help line for Aboriginal women living in northern Ontario. Talk4Healing is available to all Aboriginal women living in urban, rural and remote communities, both on and off reserve, throughout Northern Ontario. Talk4Healing has a service area that includes all Aboriginal women and their families living in Northern Ontario from the Manitoba border all the way to the Muskokas.
Phone: 1-855-554-HEAL
talk4healing.com

Metis Nation of Ontario Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Line

The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) is proud to offer a 24HR Mental Health and Addictions (MHA) Crisis Line. For culturally specific mental health and addiction supports for adults, youth, and families in Ontario (available in English and French).

Phone: 1-877-767-7572
Toll Free 1-800-263-4889 Ext. 7
Email: MHA [at] metisnation.org (MHA[at]metisnation[dot]org)