Friday, October 10 is World Mental Health Day

In a bold and visionary step forward, Acadia University is proud to announce the creation of a stand-alone School of Counselling. 

Building on a 50-year history of providing high-quality counsellor development, the new school will house the Master of Education in Counselling program, which has prepared generations of skilled professionals now serving in schools, clinics and health agencies. Its inception underscores the University’s leadership in mental health education and its deep commitment to the well-being of individuals, families and communities across Nova Scotia.  

Acadia’s counselling program was introduced in the 1970s and resided previously in the School of Education. Over the last five decades, there has been significant movement at national and provincial levels around counselling being recognized as a distinct regulated health profession. The new School is an acknowledgement and celebration of this relevant and transformational shift. 

Dr. Tanya Surette, Associate Professor in the School of Counselling, says, “the program has undergone an incredible evolution in the past five decades which has reflected and responded to the changes in the counselling profession locally, provincially and nationally.” 

Each year, the program welcomes 40 students, 20 full-time and 20 part-time, split between school and agency streams: those students wanting to work in schools and educational settings, and those students seeking work in clinics and public health settings. The full-time program requires 18 months of study and the part-time three years, completed on weekends and through summer intercession. 

“Our graduates are exceptional counsellors, clinical supervisors, and professional leaders who serve the mental health needs of individuals and communities in a diverse range of settings across Nova Scotia,” Dr. Surette says.  

“This move will improve the recognition of the breadth of their professional identities and competencies. It’s an amazing program, with talented people doing remarkable things. It’s phenomenal to see it celebrated!” 

National accreditation 

Acadia is one of only four universities in the country to hold national accreditation in counsellor education and the only program accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Counsellor Education Programs (CACEP) east of British Columbia. It’s a testament to the program’s strength and rigour, and the important role it plays on campus and in the community. 

Dean of the Faculty of Professional Studies, Dr. Corinne Haigh, says, “the creation of the School of Counselling uplifts counselling as a profession and the expertise we have at Acadia. It’s an important moment that demonstrates how the School of Counselling supports the broad mental health needs of Nova Scotians and highlights a profession that meets those needs in a variety of ways. It’s the right moment for this, and time now to let the program shine.” 

The shift also creates accessible pathways within the school for professional development opportunities, notably with the Red Spruce Mental Health Centre, located in Willett House on the Acadia campus. Founded in 2023 to fill the gap in unmet community health needs and provide a place for the counsellors of tomorrow to gain experience, Red Spruce offers in-person and online no-cost mental health counselling to Nova Scotians who might otherwise not have access to it. It is student-operated, features a network of seven different community partners, and has received funding support through the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia for the last three years. 

Surette says, “Red Spruce is unique. It gives students the opportunity to do part of their clinical training here on campus at a clinic that centres social justice, accessibility, and high-quality supervision. That makes the program more accessible for them; they don’t have to travel as far for practicum placements. And it enhances the quality of clinical training we give to our students, while simultaneously supporting the mental health needs of the community.” 

“The success of Red Spruce and the buy-in from community partners speaks to the reputation of the program locally and provincially.” 

Greater access and opportunity 

Seven faculty members—four full-time and three limited term—are currently shaping the future of Acadia’s School of Counselling. They are expanding opportunities for students to learn and practice in both school and community settings. Their goal is to enhance access to mental health services and strengthen resources across Nova Scotia, ultimately contributing to better outcomes for individuals and communities. 

“Acadia’s support for the establishment of this School of Counselling shows our commitment and investment in promoting and supporting the mental health and wellness of Nova Scotians,” says Dr. Ashlee Cunsolo, Provost and Vice-President Academic. “This program provides important pathways to increase the availability of mental health professionals in Nova Scotia and allows an already excellent program to flourish by moving it into a stand-alone School. We look forward to what the future holds!” 

• October 10 is World Mental Health Day. #WorldMentalHealthDay 

• Acadia's Health Promotions Office will be leading mental health week from October 27-31. Stay tuned for more details on activities.