Health & Wellness
Staying healthy will help optimize your effectiveness so you can make the most of your law school experience. Here are some key resources you can access that will support your well-being.
JD Student Mental Health Strategic Action Plan
UofT Law has a Strategic Action Plan that sets out our goals for supporting student mental health. Created in consultation with staff, student and faculty, the plan provides a structure for our wellness activities and initiatives.
Counselling Services
Law students can choose from a variety of counselling options, including the law school’s in-house counsellor, UofT counselling services through Health & Wellness, and telephone counselling.
Student Health & Wellness Team
Chantelle Brown-Kent, Student Mental Health and Wellness Program Manager
Chantelle is responsible for developing and implementing the law school's mental health strategy. She creates and facilitates learning activities and workshops and provides case management assistance to students regarding mental health and wellness experiences. She also helps navigate and connect to resources within the law school, across the University and in the wider community. Chantelle is available to students Mon - Thu. She can be reached at chantelleb.kent@utoronto.ca.
Jessie Kussin, On-Location Student Mental Health Counselor
Jessie provides brief, confidential psychotherapy and counselling on a range of issues including adjustment and transition issues, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, relationship and family issues, body image, sexual orientation, gender identity, etc. Jessie is a social worker with the University of Toronto’s Health & Wellness Centre counselling team and currently offers appointments Monday - Thursday.
The embedded mental health counselor is available to law students for assistance and support. To explore counselling options, call the Health & Wellness Centre at 416.978.8030, select option “5” and indicate your interest in receiving counselling at the law school. Your initial appointment will include an assessment by a professional, and you will be directed to the service that is right for you.
Sara Gold, On-Location Accessibility Advisor
The Accessibility Advisor role includes maintaining privacy and confidentiality while helping registered students access disability-related accommodations. Sara works one-on-one with law students who are impacted by health and mental health concerns/disabilities and require accommodations to achieve their academic goals.
The embedded Accessibility Advisor works one-on-one with law students who are impacted by health and mental health concerns/disabilities and require accommodations to achieve their academic goals. As an Accessibility Advisor, the role includes maintaining privacy and confidentiality while helping registered students access disability-related accommodations.
Student Health & Wellness Committee
The Student Health and Wellness Committee is co-chaired by the Student Mental Health and Wellness Program Manager and the Student Programs Manager. Driven by student input, the Committee organizes a range of health and wellness programming, including Doggie Days, speakers, dodgeball tournaments and Wellness Week. Participating on the committee is a great way for students to be involved in and lead in health and wellness programming at the Faculty. Also, it’s fun!
Intramural Sports
The UofT Law Athletics Association organizes several intramural sports teams at the law school, including volleyball, hockey, basketball, and soccer. Law students of all skill levels are welcome!
Sports and Recreation at U of T
UofT has a wide range of sports and recreation activities to help keep you active and healthy, including three major athletics facilities on St. George campus. There’s lots on offer and there are virtual offerings now too.
Health and Dental Insurance
Interested in learning all about your insured medical and dental coverage? Comprehensive information about your student health and dental plan is available. For the purposes of your extended health care coverage, UofT Law students are considered undergraduate students.
Mindfulness Programming
Regularly practicing mindfulness can be a key tool to keeping law school pressures in perspective. We offer the Mindfulness Programming at the law school.
To Do Before You Arrive
- If you live outside of Toronto, and you are currently seeing a doctor or counsellor, make an appointment with Health & Wellness to transfer your care.
- If you require academic accommodations, contact Accessibility Services to schedule an intake appointment.
- Check out the fitness classes on campus.
Did you know...
The law school has a Dean’s Student Mental Health Advisory Committee which makes recommendations about programs and services. In 2017, the Committee created and disseminated a student mental health survey to JD and graduate students. Since then, other law schools across Canada have adopted our survey.