UNB News
News and stories from one of Canada’s top universities

UNB partners with Family Plus Life Solutions to expand mental health services

Author: UNB Newsroom

Posted on Sep 14, 2020

Category: UNB Saint John

The University of New Brunswick’s Saint John campus has signed a memorandum of understanding with counselling provider Family Plus Life Solutions, Inc., strengthening its mental health services for students.

The agreement will allow students who require more intense psychotherapy, beyond what UNB counselling services provide, to do so in a way that works within their personal budget.

Family Plus is a not-for-profit charitable organization based in Saint John that provides professional counselling, education and advocacy for children, adults and families in the area.

“UNB Saint John’s Counselling Services team do a great job in supporting many of our students with mental health concerns,” says Sheldon MacLeod, director of student services on the Saint John campus. “However, we sometimes see students who may have very complex needs and can benefit from a more tailored service, and Family Plus can provide this.

“This MOU is an important step to strengthen our mental health services and allow our students to best access the services for their individual needs.”

“We are very happy to announce this new partnership with UNB Saint John,” says Heather Maughan, executive director of Family Plus Life Solutions. “As an organization, we have always been here and ready to help, but now these students will be more aware of the easily accessible options available to support their mental health both on- and off-campus.”

Students can access the Family Plus services with a referral from UNB Saint John’s counselling services or can contact the organization directly.

This latest expansion of UNB Saint John’s mental health service follows their recent partnership with online student support platform Real Campus.

The confidential, virtual advice platform offers professional support in all areas of university life and mental health, 24/7, at no additional cost for UNB Saint John students.

“We know how important having access to appropriate mental health support is to our students, now more so than ever,” says MacLeod. “UNB Saint John is committed to ensuring our students have the resources they need to manage their mental health and we’re proud to be able to keep expanding our services to support our students.”

Media contact: Fiona Hendrie

Photo credit: Pexels