New to Canada? Here are some resources to help you
By: Josephine Naghavie
Published on: November 14th, 2023
A person’s health includes physical and mental, and they both impact your wellbeing.
Mental health problems are found in every country, however, the availability of treatments vary in different regions, particularly in between developed and developing countries. Perceptions and attitudes towards mental illness can vary among families, cultures, countries and individuals. Many religions often influence the belief that mental health is not important and that it should not shape attitudes towards being healthy.
As a newcomer to Canada, you may have experienced this in your home country, but resources in Canada for mental health are never ending. As you have recently moved to build a new life in a new country, this comes with many stressors. No matter how big or small your problem feels, there are many resources that are available to you in Canada, and that are free.
Below you will find a list of potential resources that can be helpful to someone who has recently moved to Canada. These resources are here to help you and to show you that you are not alone. Your mental health is as important, if not more, than your physical health, and it is important to take care of that as well.
Canadian Centre for Refugee & Immigrant HealthCare
The Canadian Centre for Refugee & Immigrant HealthCare (CCRIHC) provides free private and confidential counseling for unique experiences of refugees and newcomers before their arrival, during their journey and settling into Canada and the Greater Toronto Area.
This organization has experienced counselors who are specialized in culturally-sensitive situations and diagnosis for mental health disorders.
If you are looking for short-term counseling, this organization provides it as well, and can help you with stress management, family or relationship problems, adjusting to Canadian lifestyle and so much more. They provide counseling beginning from youth to adulthood.
Toronto Newcomer Services Kiosks
The Toronto government provides in-person and virtual kiosks where Newcomers, regardless of immigration status, can access these kiosks without fear of being asked for proof of status.
These kiosks provide community support where you can meet with settlement workers and take advantage of confidential services like:
- Information on education, employment, healthcare, housing, and more.
- Referrals to community services and programs in the city of Toronto
- Access to language-specific supports across the city.
Click on the link above so you can see where the closest location to you is, as well as which places provide in-person kiosks and virtual ones.
Mental Health – Immigrants & Newcomers
The link above provides different locations that have specific areas of mental health advisors. If you are looking for a counselor that works in a specific field, such as someone with marriage advice, or grief, etc., this website provides the names and information for counselors in those specific fields, that are located closest to you.
Centre for Immigrant & Community Services
The Centre for Immigrant & Community Services (CICS) is committed to taking on the wellness journey with newcomers in Canada. They are aware that settling into a new country can be challenging and they offer support for those who are facing mental health concerns or issues. On their website they have a list of workshops near you that you can attend, speak either one-on-one or in a group. Their workshops are constantly changing so be sure to check when the next one near you is happening.
If the above mentioned resources do not seem like they work for you – that’s OK! Below are some links to many more resources for you to check out. It might take some trial and error until you find something that works best for you.
This website has different in-person, virtual, one-on-one and group sessions for adults and youth available around the city of Toronto.
This website provides a list of different mental health helplines if you prefer to speak on the phone or chat virtually, as well as different counseling for individuals who do not speak English.