On-Site Counselling
The Temerty Faculty of Medicine has two designed counsellors who are available to meet with students on a variety of issues.
Laurie Coleman (MSW, RSW) is a Wellness Counsellor and Coordinator at Health and Wellness, Student Life. Since 2011, she has been part of the on-location mental health team. She provides service 9am - 4pm, at the Rehabilitation Sciences Building, 500 University Ave and one shift per month, on Wednesdays from 11am - 7pm, at Health and Wellness, 700 Bay Street, 14th floor.
Christina Ruggiero (MCP, RP) Christina Ruggiero (MCP, RP) is a Wellness Counsellor and Coordinator at Health and Wellness Student Life. She has over 7 years experience working with post-secondary students mental health previously at York University, McMaster University, and Queens University. She provides services on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9am-4pm, at the Medical Sciences Building and one evening shift per month on Wednesdays from 4pm - 7pm at Health and Wellness, 700 Bay Street, 14th floor.
Description of Service Offered
These are individual short-term confidential wellness counselling/psychotherapy with either Laurie or Christina. These can be done virtually or in-person, as requested by the student.
Some reasons why you may want to speak to a counsellor
- Abuse and assault issues
- Academic engagement or direction
- Substance use
- Anxiety and mood problems (e.g. depression, suicidal thoughts)
- Coping with grief or loss
- Relationships (family, romantic, platonic)
- Eating/body image difficulties
- Self-harm
- Homesickness/loneliness
- Self-confidence and self-esteem
- Sexuality and sexual orientation
- Gender expression
- Gender identity
- Gender-based discrimination
- Stress
- Transition to university
- Social functioning
- Dealing with racism
How to make an appointment: Self Referral
To schedule your first appointment with a counsellor, please contact the Health and Wellness Centre at 416-978-8030 (select option “5”) or drop by Health and Wellness at the 700 Bay Street, 12th Floor. When asked, please identify as a graduate student in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine or RHSE so that you are assigned one of our TFOM designed counsellors first. Follow-up appointments can be scheduled directly with your counsellor.
How to make an appointment: Faculty/Staff Referral
A staff member or graduate faculty can guide a referral to any Health and Wellness service, including counselling, on behalf of a TFOM graduate student. Please have the staff member or graduate faculty complete this form. All the fields must be completed AND the student must sign the form. The form can be submitted Health and Wellness (fax: 416-978-7341; mentalhealth.hwc@utoronto.ca).