You Don't Have to Wait Until Things Fall Apart

There is a common misconception in medicine that counselling is something you access when you're in crisis.

Many residents tell us they initially thought the same thing.

The reality is that residency is full of transitions, uncertainty, and competing demands. Whether you're adjusting to a new city, navigating difficult rotations, managing relationship stress, coping with exam pressure, struggling with burnout, or simply trying to make sense of a challenging experience, you don't need to wait until things become overwhelming before reaching out for support.

At the Resident Counseling and Peer Support Office (RCAPS), counselling is available to all UBC residents and clinical fellows. Our counsellors understand the unique realities of medical training and work with residents across a wide range of concerns such as anxiety, depression, and stress management to workplace challenges, identity development, relationship concerns, grief, and life transitions.

“My counsellor has kept me going through a residency program that is very problematic for burnout.
She is supportive and kind, while giving me tangible tools and advice
that I can incorporate in between sessions. I can tell she cares a lot about residents.”

What Residents Tell Us

Many residents come to counselling unsure of what to expect. Some worry their concerns are "not serious enough." Others wonder whether talking to someone will actually make a difference.

Yet one of the most common things we hear after residents begin counselling is that they wish they had reached out sooner.

Counselling isn't about having all the answers. It's about having a space where you can step away from the demands of training, reflect on what you're experiencing, and develop practical strategies for moving forward.

Support That Understands Medical Training

RCAPS counsellors work specifically with residents and clinical fellows and understand many of the challenges that accompany postgraduate medical education. We also recognize that each resident's experience is unique.

“My counsellor is outstanding. I come away from every session with fresh insight, and feeling supported and heard. She is thoughtful, genuine, and kind. Seeing her over the past couple years has really helped me with the challenges of navigating residency and some more personal issues. I am so grateful this service is offered free for residents: it is crucial to the well being of residents to be able access such high quality supportive care”

For internationally trained physicians, transitioning into a new healthcare system, culture, and community can bring additional stressors. For residents balancing family responsibilities, financial pressures, academic demands, or personal challenges, support may look different again.

Counselling provides a confidential space to explore whatever is most important to you.

Taking the First Step

You do not need a referral, a diagnosis, or a crisis to access counselling.

Whether you're looking for support with a specific concern or simply want a space to check in with yourself, RCAPS is here to help.

The RCAPS team is here to walk with you.