Redeemer University’s mental health supports for students are seeing significant investment this year with the addition of a mental health case manager and the expansion of the student health clinic to integrate mental health services. These initiatives are both part of the implementation of the mental health action plan and investment announced in December 2022 and recommendations from the mental health task force last May.

The new mental health case manager, who begins work in January, will strategically care for and assist students and help connect them with various mental health support and resources. This key point of contact will assess and triage students to get them the help they need wherever they may find themselves on the mental health continuum. The case manager will also develop plans for students after a mental health leave or crisis.

“Having dedicated full-time mental health staff support for students at Redeemer will play a significant role in getting students the support they need whether here on campus or in the Hamilton community,” says Kevin Johnson, dean of students. “We’re pleased to be able to care for students in this way.”

Students who are facing barriers or experience higher risk to their mental health can be assessed and receive individualized support. The new case manager will also communicate and facilitate mental health and wellness programs and services across campus.

The design phase is just beginning, but we’re excited to upgrade and bring together all these services for students in one space on Redeemer’s campus.

In time for the fall 2024 term, a fresh expanded space that brings physical and mental health services under one roof is also set to be completed.

“The design phase is just beginning, but we’re excited to upgrade and bring together all these services for students in one space on Redeemer’s campus,” says Johnson. 

The upgrade will incorporate the current services offered by the student health clinic, with its dedicated nurse practitioner, and will add health services like mental health triage and counselling. The space will integrate a welcoming reception, medical exam rooms, counselling offices and staff offices combining two units in the Luther Court residences. The location, currently the site of the student health clinic, provides good privacy and confidentiality separate from both Founders Hall and the Charis Centre, while still being steps away from classrooms, residences and parking. The newly renovated space will foster open communication between student support staff across the spectrum of health services.

The new space and mental health case manager role represent a significant portion of the $1-million investment in mental health supports announced by Redeemer in December 2022. Other recommendations from the mental health action plan will continue to be reviewed and implemented.