Medical resources for newcomers and refugees

By Benjamin Biro

Posted on October 4, 2021

It can be very difficult to find medical resources that suit the needs of each individual, especially when you are new to a country. Whether you are unable to get an Ontario Health Insurance (OHIP) card or are in the process of getting one, there are places where you can go to get help and coverage for your medical needs.

Perhaps you have pre-existing conditions, a family that is unwell, speak English as a second language, or are looking for someone who understands your specific culture or language. There are resources available to suit your needs throughout Canada. Here are some resources to check out.

The Crossroads Clinic

Address: 76 Grenville St., 3rd floor, Toronto, ON M5S 1B2
Contact: 416-323-6031 (Press 2 for appointment)

The Crossroads Clinic is a refugee health clinic created by Women’s College Hospital that provides resources and medical care for newcomers to Canada. They can help with both physical and mental health problems and concerns. They have a great team of doctors and nurses that understand many of the specific issues that refugees face.

Across Boundaries: An Ethnoracial Mental Health Organization

Address: 51 Clarkson Avenue, Toronto, ON M6E 2T5
Contact: 416-787-3007
Email: info@acrossboundaries.ca

Across Boundaries provides mental health and addiction services for members of radicalized communities in the Greater Toronto Area. They offer case management services for youth and adults from a variety of cultures and backgrounds. Across Boundaries has staff knowledgeable in Caribbean dialects, African, Central Asian, South Asian and Southeast Asian languages. They also run a Mental Health and Justice Initiative which offers community mental health support, housing services, and resources for members of the LGBTQ2+ and BIPOC community.

Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture

Address: 194 Jarvis Street, 2nd Floor, Toronto, ON M5B 2B7
Contact: 416-363-1066

Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture (CCVT) provides treatment and support for Canadian refugees who are victims of torture. CCVT aims to help the recovery process from serious trauma and create a new home and a positive community for refugees. They offer programs in mental health counselling, settlement services, children and youth trauma, language and skills training, and community engagement.

Hong Fook Mental Health Association

Clinic Address: 3660 Midland Avenue, Suite 201, Scarborough, ON M1V 0B8
Contact: 416-493-4242

Hong Fook Mental Health Association is an ethno-cultural mental health organization that provides a variety of mental health services for Asian communities in the Greater Toronto Area. You do not, however, need to identify as part of an Asian community to access their services. They offer practitioners who speak Cambodian, Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean, Vietnamese, and English.

Access Alliance Multicultural Community Health Services

Address: 340 College St., Ste. 500, Toronto, ON M5T 3A9
Contact: 416-324-8677

Access Alliance Multicultural Community Health Services addresses system inequities regarding mental and physical health care. They help vulnerable demographics, such as refugees and newcomers to Canada, and help serve individuals and communities in need. They offer primary healthcare services, community programs, health programs, LGBTQ2+ programs, and settlement services.

Afghan Women’s Organization: Refugee and Immigrant Services

Address: 150 Consumers Road, #203, North York, ON M2J 1P9
Contact: 416-588-3585

This clinic offers settlement services for immigrants and refugees. They focus on those fleeing from war and persecution as well as women with families. This organization also offers a variety of programs to help the many needs of newcomers and their families.

Culture Link Settlement

Address: 2340 Dundas Street West, Suite 301, Toronto, ON M6P 4A9
Contact: 416-588-6288
Email: reception@culturelink.ca

Culture Link Settlement is a community organization that develops and offers settlement services. They provide programs for all ages and are committed to building welcoming communities, and improving the newcomer experience.

Polycultural Immigrant & Community Services

Address: Various Locations
Contact: 416-533-9471
Email: info@polycultural.org

Polycultural Immigrant & Community Services is a dynamic organization that provides services for communities in more than 40 languages. They have five locations throughout Toronto and Peel Region. They offer youth and senior services, language programs, settlement counselling, health and wellness support, family violence and addiction services, and much more.

Scadding Court Community Centre

Address: 707 Dundas Street West, Toronto, ON M5T 2W6
Contact: 416-392-0335 (scccinfo@scaddingcourt.org)

Scadding Court Community Centre supports families, individuals, and communities by providing opportunities for education, athletics, and community participation. They focus on access equity, community, social development, food access, security, settlement services, and programs for seniors.

Toronto Chinese Community Association

Address: 302 Spadina Avenue, Unit 206, Toronto, ON M5T 2E7
Contact: 416-977-4026

Toronto Chinese Community Association (TCCSA) helps diverse communities and newcomers adapt to Canadian life by providing social services. Specifically, TCCSA offers newcomers from China settlement services, community services, education services, and language training.

South-Asian Women’s Centre

Address: 800 Lansdowne Avenue, Unit 1, Toronto, ON M6H 4K3
Contact: 416-537-2276

The South-Asian Women’s Centre is an organization run by and for South-Asian women that works to empower the community. South-Asian women of all ages and backgrounds have access to a variety of programs and services.

Working Skills Centre

Address: 55 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite #703, Toronto, ON M4P 1G8
Contact: 416-979-1700

Working Skills Centre helps newcomers, specifically immigrant women, find employment and improve their skills and employment prospects. They offer settlement services, skills training, and job placement services to empower, educate, and support newcomers.

The Newcomer