Calgary is one of Canada's most multicultural cities, home to over a million people from around the world. For new immigrants, adapting to a new life is often accompanied by significant stress related to language barriers, cultural differences, finding work and housing, and feelings of isolation. Fortunately, Calgary has an extensive network of organizations that specialize in providing psychological support and stress relief for immigrants and refugees.
Key organizations supporting immigrant mental health
Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association (CIWA)
The Calgary Immigrant Women's Association provides comprehensive support to immigrant women, girls, and their families through more than 50 programs.
Key mental health services:
- Professional psychological support in your native language
- Individual, couple, and family counseling
- Support groups for men and women
- Referrals to community and clinical resources
- Educational seminars on mental health issues
Contact:
- Phone: 403-263-4414
- Address: 200-138 4th Avenue SE
Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS)
The Calgary Catholic Immigration Society is the largest immigrant-serving organization in the Prairie provinces of Canada. It has been providing resettlement and integration services since 1981.
Specialized programs:
- Community support for victims of torture
- Ethnic youth and family program
- Refugee Resilience Centre
Contact:
- Phone: 403-262-2006
- Address: 1111 11th Avenue SW
Centre for Newcomers (CFN)
The Centre for Newcomers offers a Therapy & Support Centre for clients and families of all nationalities.
Main services:
- Become the Best Version of Yourself Program
- Professional psychotherapy and counseling
- Psychoeducational seminars (parenting, healthy relationships, cultural sensitivity)
- Stress management and emotional regulation
Contact:
- Phone: 403-569-3325
- Address: 565-36 Street NE
The Immigrant Education Society (TIES)
TIES implements the TIES Healthy Minds program, created specifically during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Innovative services:
- Online psychoeducational seminars
- Counseling (individual, family, group)
- Multisensory wellness space (TIES Wellness Space)
Contact:
- Phone: 587-393-3414
- Multiple locations in Calgary
Crisis services and 24/7 support
Distress Centre Calgary
Distress Centre Calgary provides 24/7 crisis support.
Services:
- Phone, text, chat
- Crisis support for people with cultural barriers
- Follow-up and counseling services
Contact:
- Phone: 403-266-4357 (24 hours)
Alberta Health Services Mental Health Help Line
Alberta Health Services 24-hour mental health line:
- Phone: 1-877-303-2642
Specialized services for diverse communities
Jewish Family Service Calgary (JFSC)
JFSC offers counseling for individuals, children, families, and groups, as well as a support line for short-term intervention.
Contact:
- Phone: 403-287-3510
The Alex Community Health Centre
The Alex provides integrated health and social services to vulnerable communities within the Community Wellness Initiative model.
Ukrainian Community Support
St. Vladimir’s Ukrainian Orthodox Sobor
Ukrainian Humanitarian Aid Program:
- Housing search
- Support with basic needs
- Volunteer programs
Contact:
- Phone: 403-264-3437
- Address: 404 Meredith Rd NE
Ukrainian Canadian Congress Calgary
UCC Calgary coordinates resources for the Ukrainian community and newly arrived refugees.
Educational institutions with mental health support
Bow Valley College
Free and confidential wellness services for students:
- Individual counseling
- Support groups
- Workshops and training
Systemic initiatives and coordination
Action Dignity
Working to improve the experience of racialized communities through transformative systemic change in mental health.
Alberta Association of Immigrant Serving Agencies (AAISA)
Organizational Mental Health Self-Audit Tool for organizations serving immigrants.
Alberta 211
Counseling and information in over 170 languages:
- Number: 211
Conclusions
Calgary has one of the most developed immigrant support networks in Canada. Organizations provide:
- Cultural sensitivity through multicultural staff and services in native languages
- A holistic approach that takes into account housing, employment, and social integration
- Accessibility of services: mostly free or affordable
- Specialized programs for refugees, trauma survivors, and members of diverse cultures
Help is available, and seeking psychological support is a normal part of adjusting to life in Canada.