As a recent grad, this hit differently
I graduated recently, and this was one of the biggest shocks.
When you’re in school, you kind of assume support is just… there. Counselling, coverage, resources. You don’t think too hard about it.
Then you graduate, and suddenly:
- your student insurance is gone
- therapy is $150 a session
- and you’re expected to just figure it out
There’s this weird gap where you still need support, but it’s way less accessible.
That’s honestly why I started paying more attention to things like sliding scale therapists and newer clinicians. Not because it’s ideal, but because it’s realistic.
If you’re still a student, use what you have now. It’s way easier than trying to rebuild that support later.
Therapy is expensive.
$120–$200 per session doesn’t work for most students.
But a lot of people assume they have no options when they actually do.
Your university probably already covers therapy
Many Canadian schools include mental health coverage:
- UBC: partial reimbursement through student plans
- University of Toronto: student union health insurance
- SFU: extended health coverage
Most students don’t know about this! Check your benefits to see how much coverage you have.
Because we like you so much, we did the work and listed benefits at your school: https://purplelotusmh.com/schools
Sliding scale therapists are underused
Some therapists adjust pricing based on income.
This can make therapy actually sustainable.
You can filter for affordable options here: https://purplelotusmh.com/explore
Campus counselling is a starting point
Usually free.
But:
- limited sessions
- waitlists
Still worth using if you need immediate help.
Newer therapists = lower cost
They’re building experience and often charge less.
This is one of the easiest ways to make therapy work financially.
Final thoughts
You don’t need the perfect plan.
You just need to start.
https://purplelotusmh.com/explore
Written by
Cher Peng
Co-Founder, Marketing & Community Lead
Cher Peng (she/they) is a community-driven builder based in Vancouver who completed her studies at the University of British Columbia. She is the co-founder of Purple Lotus, a Canadian platform improving access to mental wellness care by helping people find the right therapist quickly and intuitively. Her work sits at the intersection of product, research, and community, with experience spanning UX innovation, venture development, and nonprofit leadership. Cher is driven by a commitment to building human-centered solutions that create meaningful, real-world impact.
