Black Student Wellness

At the BSSC, our Black Student Wellness Counsellor role is dedicated to supporting the mental health and overall success of Black-identifying students at McMaster. This position centers holistic wellbeing, challenges stigma around mental health in Black communities, and connects students to culturally safe supports across campus.

At the BSSC, we believe wellness is a journey rooted in cultural safety, community, and care. Our mental health services are designed for Black students, by Black practitioners—acknowledging the diversity of Black experiences and identities. Whether you’re seeking one-on-one counselling or community-based healing spaces, our team is here to walk alongside you with compassion, insight, and authenticity.

Black Student Wellness Counselling (Hiring)

We are welcoming our new Black Student Wellness Counsellor to the team.
In this transition, Black students continue to have full access to
confidential mental-health support through multiple pathways:

Student Wellness Centre (SWC)

  • Book appointments by calling 905-525-9140 ext. 27700 or visiting the SWC Clinic reception in PGCLL 210.
  • Same-day appointments available (call starting at 9:00 a.m.).
  • When booking, students can indicate they are seeking culturally responsive support.
  • Services include evidence-based approaches such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – builds coping skills),
    DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy – enhances emotional regulation),
    ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy – promotes acceptance of thoughts and feelings),
    and trauma-informed care.

MSU Student Assistance Program (SAP) – For Undergraduate Students

  • Private, confidential 24/7 support is available to all undergraduate McMaster students.
  • On-demand counselling from mental health professionals.
  • Appointments available in as little as 24 hours, with multilingual support.
  • Call 1-855-853-0656 or visit WeConnect online.
  • Available to students, their roommates, and immediate family members.

BSSC Team Support

  • Email bss@mcmaster.ca or visit the BSSC Lounge in PGCLL M07.
  • Our team can help you navigate campus resources and provide referrals tailored to your situation.
    Not sure where to start? Let’s figure this out together. Get in touch with the BSSC and we’ll help
    guide you to the support that feels right for you.

Group Wellness and Community Care Programs

  • Power in Motion – A wellness group for Black male-identifying students.
    The program builds leadership, mental health, academic skills, and career growth through
    peer support, dialogue, and mentorship.
  • Success Beyond the Degree – A support group for fourth-year, graduate,
    and professional students, promoting career development, peer coaching, and advocacy.
  • Rooted – A recurring drop-in group for Black-identified students to discuss
    concerns and build connections with peers and a Black mental-health professional,
    fostering community across programs.
  • Incident Debriefing – Racial incidents can leave lasting wounds, affecting
    mental and emotional well-being. Incident Debriefing provides culturally safe debriefing
    sessions and wellness opportunities designed to help students process racial trauma and
    adjust to university life.

    • Hybrid Delivery

    BSSC offers both in-person and virtual counselling and group wellness options to ensure
    Black students can conveniently access support in the ways that work best for them.

    Need immediate help?
    If you are in crisis, contact the COAST crisis line at 905-972-8338, go to your nearest emergency room, or visit St. Joseph’s Hospital, 50 Charlton Ave E.

    Important: Email is not a confidential communication tool. Please avoid sharing sensitive information by email.

    Wellness Partners and Support

    A headshot of Glenda van der Leeuw

    Glenda van der Leeuw , MSW, RSW (through the Student Wellness Centre) (Parental Leave)

    Social Worker, Student Counsellor

    Email: vandeg5@mcmaster.ca
    Phone: 905.525.9140 x 23920

    An Afro-Surinamese born registered social worker & Mac alumni. Utilizes a trauma-informed and anti-oppressive approach with critical attention to intersectionality to honor the full expression of each student. Offers a space for Black students to reclaim their mental health to achieve psychological fortitude and emotional freedom through exploring and expanding meaningful Blackness.

    BlackXscape logo

    Black Xscape

    Peer Support Group (Paused)

    Email: bxscape@mcmaster.ca

    The student-led Black X-Scape offers space for Black students to have safe and liberating discussions about mental health and healing. Black students can freely express themselves, and have conversations on the nuances of mental health, wellness, stigma, and more. Sharing resources, support, coping skills, and collective healing, in addition to exploring and expanding on meaningful Blackness.

    Register Here

    This program is in partnership with the Student Wellness Centre.

    Logo artwork designed by Lilainie Akosua Adjei-Addo (alumni)

    Active Programming

    Power in Motion (Male - Identifying Students of all levels)

    Wednesdays 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m In Person Location: BSSC Communal Lounge, Peter George Centre for Living and Learning (PGCLL), Mezzanine Floor, Rm M07

    This empowering wellness group is tailored for Black male-identifying students at McMaster. It emphasizes leadership skills, mental health, academic achievement, and career growth through peer mentorship and shared experiences. This nurturing environment promotes genuine dialogue and connection among Black male students as they navigate their university experience. Light refreshments will be available.

    The Shop – A Wellness Group for all Black Men (Led by BlackPrint)

    Dates & Times: Varies throughout the academic year

    This in-person support group (event style) is a space for any and all Black male identifying students. Meant to mirror the ease and authenticity of conversation in the cultural hub that is the barber shop, key topics include: Black masculinity, being “the only one,” healing generational trauma, relationships, as well as day-to-day stressors of student life. This group serves as a safe space for “real talk,” openness, and vulnerability. Originally established by the BSSC Wellness Counsellor (Licensed Psychotherapist) has now found its footing with and led by Black Print. Preview video here.

    BlackPrint at McMaster
    BlackPrint is a McMaster Student Union (MSU) ratified club dedicated to building a strong, connected, and empowered community for Black-identifying men on campus. Their mission includes mentorship, networking, leadership development, and cultural engagement
    msumcmaster.ca.

    The Shop – A Wellness Group for all Black Men (Led by BlackPrint)BlackPrint on Linedin

    Rooted Tuesdays– Wellness Support Group for Black Students (Fall and Winter Semesters)

    Dates & Times: Tuesdays 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Location: BSSC Communal Lounge, Peter George Centre for Living and Learning (PGCLL), Mezzanine Floor, Rm M07

    This drop-in support group allows Black-identifying students to have a space where their concerns – big or small – can be explored with peers as well as a trained Black Mental Health professional. Discussions will focus on emergent concerns that are meaningfully relevant to the Black student experience at McMaster University. The group format will allow for Black students from different programs and levels of study to connect and experience a sense of community support with regard to their mental health.

    Success Beyond the Degree (Level 4 & Grad Students)

    Wednesdays 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Location: BSSC Communal Lounge, Peter George Centre for Living and Learning (PGCLL), Mezzanine Floor, Rm M07

    This wellness group caters to 4th-year, graduate, and professional school students. Its goal is to encourage growth, connection, and success beyond academic achievements, emphasizing professional development, peer mentorship, and advocacy. Light refreshments are offered to foster a welcoming atmosphere for genuine connections and support.

     

    Past Programming

    Mental Health & Wellbeing: Drop-In Session for Black Students Group Sessions

    Winter 2022: Starting March 2nd – Wednesdays (5 wks.) Time: 1:30 – 3:00pm

    Exploring the imposter phenomenon

    Why do feelings of inadequacy follow me? Let’s explore the imposter phenomenon from a unique Black perspective that is internalized through structural anti-Blackness. In this 5-week group session, Black students will reflect on lived experiences to identify, and understand feelings of imposter and learn its impact on mental distress. We will discuss what is harming your confidence and impeding your ambitions.

    In addition, Black students will gain strategies and tools to increase self-acceptance and personal empowerment to thrive.

    For more information or to register, email Glenda van der Leeuw MSW, RSW at vandeg5@mcmaster.ca or bss@mcmaster.ca

    For additional support, you can also connect with The Student Wellness Centre reception so they can create a chart for you and be intentional about your needs. Call 905-525-9140 x 27700 or visit their website to learn more.

    Black Student-Athlete Check-ins with Rohan Thompson Group Sessions

    Ongoing group sessions :

    Wednesdays: September 29th / October 13th & 27th / November 10th & 24 / December 8th all from 12:30pm-2:30pm

    Rohan Thompson is a dedicated licensed social worker/psychotherapist. Versed in a broad range of treatment approaches, Rohan has more than 15 years of experience working with individuals and families who need support navigating challenges, healing from traumas, and maintaining mental wellness. He has also worked closely with organizations to improve employee mental health and ensure equity-driven policies, programming, and executive leadership. Rohan’s experience as a psychotherapist and consultant is backed by a Master of Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University, where he was a member of the football team, as well as his passion is fueled by an unwavering belief in the value and impact of mental wellness. In addition to his counselling and consulting work, Rohan supports his community as a youth football coach and a board member of a local not-for-profit.

    For more information or meet with Rohan, please email him at: rohan@thebreakthrough.ca

    For crisis support, please visit www.wellness.mcmaster.ca/crisis-support/ for immediate resources and support.

    Black Student-Athlete Check-ins with Rohan Thompson

    Ongoing one-on-one appointments available:

    Thursdays: October 7th & 21st / November 4th & 18th / December 2nd & 16 all available for an hour 11:30am /12:30pm / 1:30pm

    Rohan Thompson is a dedicated licensed social worker/psychotherapist. Versed in a broad range of treatment approaches, Rohan has more than 15 years of experience working with individuals and families who need support navigating challenges, healing from traumas, and maintaining mental wellness. He has also worked closely with organizations to improve employee mental health and ensure equity-driven policies, programming, and executive leadership. Rohan’s experience as a psychotherapist and consultant is backed by a Master of Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University, where he was a member of the football team, as well as his passion is fueled by an unwavering belief in the value and impact of mental wellness. In addition to his counselling and consulting work, Rohan supports his community as a youth football coach and a board member of a local not-for-profit.

    For more information or meet with Rohan, please email him at: rohan@thebreakthrough.ca

    For crisis support, please visit www.wellness.mcmaster.ca/crisis-support/ for immediate resources and support.

    Black Student Mental Health Peer Support

    Launched in Feb 2022, this student-led peer support group is an opportunity to reclaim your mental health and wellness. Black students, take lead in being a part of creating a safe space.

    Upcoming Meeting Dates:

    March 10th, 6-7 pm

    March 24th, 6-7 pm

    April 7th, 6-7 pm

    April 21st, 6-7 pm

    To register email  bxscape@mcmaster.ca

    This program is in partnership with the Student Wellness Centre

    Events

    Coming soon…

    Resources

    Resources

    Crisis & Emergency Support>

    If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact:
    9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline: Canada’s 9-8-8 helpline provides 24/7 support by phone and text in English and French across Canada
    Good2Talk for post-secondary students: Call 1-866-925-5454 or text GOOD2TALKON to 686868
    COAST (Crisis Outreach and Support Team): 905-972-8338 – Hamilton’s crisis line is answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
    Campus Safety Services: 905-522-4135 (or 911 for off-campus emergencies)
    Crisis/Urgent Matters

    If you are in crisis or require urgent support, please contact the COAST crisis line at 905-972-8338, visit your nearest urgent care centre, or go to St. Joseph’s Emergency Department at 50 Charlton Ave E, Hamilton, or your nearest emergency hospital.