Abstract

In recent years, Quebec universities have undergone significant changes; reshaping both academic work and institutional dynamics. These transformations, intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic, have particularly highlighted the psychological health challenges faced by students. Alongside these concerns, issues of equity, diversity, and inclusion have gained prominence within Quebec’s higher education institutions. In response, universities have expanded student services, most notably by increasing access to psychotherapy, to address the rising needs during the pandemic. While these initiatives represent steps toward better student support, disparities remain in level of access to these services, especially for marginalized student populations. Such inequalities raise important questions about the effectiveness and fairness of the support systems in place. In this context, our research focuses on the lived experiences of students within Quebec’s university system, examining the factors that facilitate or hinder their use of support services. We explore how students perceive and navigate these services. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the challenges students face in managing their psychological well-being and informs ongoing discussions on how to improve student service delivery in Quebec universities.