McMaster graduate students have voted overwhelmingly in support of  expanded mental health services.

In a campus referendum, 73 per cent of students supported a plan to access counselling and fund the hiring of new mental health professionals to be based in the Student Wellness Centre. Students will contribute an additional $71.58 per year to their Student Services fee to fund the expanded service.

Last year, students narrowly voted down a similar proposal. Despite that vote, grad students continued to receive mental health services in the Student Wellness Centre including access to the Arrive and Thrive program, and the ability to book appointments with psychiatrists, the mental health nurse and physicians with mental health training.

With this approval, graduate students can access individual and group counselling beginning May 1.