Can I receive assistance in Ukrainian?
There are private practices, non-governmental organizations, and government programs in Calgary that offer counseling and therapy in Ukrainian. Below is a detailed overview of resources, payment options, and steps to take.
1. Private licensed professionals
| Name / Clinic | Status | Specialization | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oxana Zagreadscaia, MA | Registered Psychologist | Family therapy, anxiety, PTSD | in person / online |
| Hanna Zavrazhyna, MSW, RSW | Registered Clinical Social Worker | War trauma, emigration stress | online |
| Lydia Ievleva, PhD | Registered Psychologist | PTSD, emigration stress | in person |
| Innerlogue Therapy (team) | Multilingual Clinic | Individual and family therapy | in person / video |
Search: on Psychology Today Calgary, set the filter to Language → Ukrainian (shows 10–15 profiles).
2. Low-threshold and free services
| Organization | Services | Ukrainian language | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Community Connect YYC | Quick appointment booking; “Counselling for Immigrants” | Yes | $0–$50 (barrier-free) |
| Calgary Counselling Centre | Up to 20 “pay-what-you-can” sessions | several specialists available | $0–$30 |
| Distress Centre Calgary | 24/7 crisis line; up to 6 free sessions | translation upon request | free |
| Access Mental Health (AHS) | Screening and referral to public clinics | AHS interpreters | free |
| CMHA – Community Navigator | Peer support; Recovery College; YouthSMART groups | volunteer interpreters | free |
3. Support for newcomers
- Immigrant Services Calgary (ISC): coordination of psychological and social resources, assistance with interpreters.
- Ukrainian Social Support Network: database of volunteer psychologists, reference guides in Ukrainian.
- Operation Ukrainian Safe Haven: online list of provincial specialists who speak Ukrainian/Russian.
4. How to get help
- Assess the urgency
-
Crisis/suicidal thoughts → call 9-8-8 or 403-266-HELP (ask for an interpreter)
-
Non-emergency → call 403-943-1500 (Access Mental Health); ask for Ukrainian
- Choose a format
- In person: private practices, Calgary Counselling Centre
- Online: video sessions with Alberta therapists
- Check for license
- Registered with CAP (cap.ab.ca) or ACSW
- Indicate language needs
- “Preferred Language” field or request an AHS interpreter
- Start therapy
- Schedule 2–3 sessions, evaluate comfort and results
5. Financial coverage
| Source | Coverage | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Alberta Health Care | Public mental health clinics, CAMHC | Alberta Health Care card required |
| EFAP/EAP (employer programs) | 3–12 private sessions | check with Ukrainian-speaking HR professionals |
| Private insurance plans (Sun Life, etc.) | $500–$2,000/year | accept receipts in any language |
| Sliding-scale / pay-what-you-can | Calgary Counselling Centre, Distress Centre | rate as low as $0 |
6. Remote resources in Ukrainian
- uCare.me: directory of Ukrainian psychologists online (chat, video).
- Wellness Together Canada: free Ukrainian-language webinars and text support.
7. Frequently asked questions
- Is private counseling in Ukrainian expensive? – R.Psych.: $200–$225/50 min; sliding scale: $0–$50.
- Is group therapy available in Ukrainian? – CMHA Recovery College forms groups upon request; CIWA conducts mindfulness groups for women.
- Do I need an Alberta Health Card? – For AHS clinics — yes; for Distress Centre, CMHA, Calgary Counselling Centre — no.
8. Key contacts
| Need | Where to go | Contact / website |
|---|---|---|
| Crisis / suicidal thoughts | Distress Centre Calgary | 403-266-HELP |
| Quick appointment in Ukrainian | Community Connect YYC | communityconnectyyc.ca |
| Government support | Access Mental Health | 403-943-1500 |
| Recovery groups | CMHA Recovery College | recoverycollegecalgary.ca |
| Private therapists | Psychology Today (Calgary) | psychologytoday.com |
Conclusion. Quality psychological assistance in Ukrainian is available in Calgary. Use Access Mental Health or Community Connect YYC for referrals, as well as sliding-scale options to find the best format of support for you.