Yes. Canadian secondary schools have counsellors on staff, and international programs add their own support staff for students living away from home.
- School counsellors: Counsellors help with course selection, graduation planning and personal concerns. Vancouver's district, for example, lists dedicated teachers, counsellors and staff who assist international students.
- Mental health resources: Ontario directs families to School Mental Health Ontario for student mental health resources, and schools can connect students with further help.
- Support in your language: Some school insurance plans include confidential counselling by phone or video in the student's own language.
- Help at any hour: Kids Help Phone offers young people across Canada phone counselling 24/7 at 1-800-668-6868 and crisis support by text at 686868.
- Your part: Tell the program in advance about any existing support needs so the right staff are ready from the first week.
Please note: Staffing levels and services vary by school; ask each school what is available on site.
Official sources: Vancouver School Board International Education: Student support · Ontario: Bullying, we can all help stop it · Kids Help Phone
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