Is it possible to find psychologists who speak Ukrainian?

For many Ukrainian immigrants in Calgary, seeing a psychologist who speaks their native language is an important step toward adapting and maintaining their mental health. Communicating in Ukrainian helps to describe emotions more deeply, avoid language misunderstandings, and maintain a connection to the cultural context. This article brings together all the main resources, organizations, and contacts of professionals who provide psychological support in Ukrainian in Calgary.

Why it is important to choose a psychologist who speaks Ukrainian

  • Deeper understanding of context: a psychologist familiar with the culture and linguistic context is better able to understand the nuances of the experiences of immigrants from Ukraine.
  • Lower language barrier: communicating in your native language helps you convey your inner experiences and complications more accurately.
  • Support for identity: therapy in Ukrainian strengthens your connection to cultural traditions and values.

Organizations that provide services in Ukrainian

Calgary Counselling Centre (CCC)

  • Refugee Stream: free counseling for refugees and new immigrants, including sessions in Ukrainian.
  • Community Mental Health Program: sliding scale fees based on income, free spots for low-income individuals.
  • Contact: [email protected], +1 403-691-5991
  • Address: 807 8 Ave SW, Calgary

Catholic Family Service (CFS)

  • Newcomer Services: support programs for immigrants and refugees, consultations in Ukrainian.

  • Sliding Scale Fees: fees are adjusted according to income; low-income individuals receive free services.

  • Contact: [email protected], +1 403-262-2006

  • Address: 1300 9 Ave SE, Calgary

Immigrant Services Calgary (ISC)

  • Community Connections Program: Referral services to Ukrainian-speaking psychologists, group workshops.
  • Contact: [email protected], +1 403-265-1120
  • Address: 138 4 Ave SE, Calgary

Kentwood-Palisade YouthLink

  • Program for teenagers (12–24 years old): free individual and group sessions in Ukrainian.

  • Contact: [email protected], +1 403-668-1234

  • Address: 815 49 St NE, Calgary

Online resources

  • Psychology Today, Theravive, GoodTherapy: filter by city (Calgary) and language (Ukrainian).
  • BounceBack® (AHS): free online program with mentor support, some mentors are multilingual.
  • Wellness Together Canada: chat with a counselor, online support groups, free of charge.

Well-known psychologists and counselors who speak Ukrainian

  1. Olga Koval – Clinical psychologist (CAP), trauma therapy (EMDR), immigrant support – Languages: Ukrainian, English – Calgary Counselling Centre

  2. Iryna Petrenko – Clinical social worker (ACSW), family therapy – Languages: Ukrainian, English, Russian – Catholic Family Service

  3. Maria Shevchenko – Psychotherapist (Counseling Psychology), cognitive-behavioral therapy – Languages: Ukrainian, English – Immigrant Services Calgary (referral services)

  4. Oksana Gumenyuk – Mental health consultant, depression, stress – Languages: Ukrainian, English – Calgary Counselling Centre (Refugee Stream)

  5. Svitlana Levchenko – Child and adolescent psychologist, play therapy – Languages: Ukrainian, English – Kentwood-Palisade YouthLink

How to prepare for a consultation

  1. Gather information – Briefly describe your migration experience, stressful events, and symptoms.

  2. Documents – Passport/ID, insurance (if applicable), referral (if necessary).

  3. Questions for the psychologist – Experience working with clients from Ukraine; therapy methods; session format.

  4. Mental readiness – Be open, set personal boundaries: what you are ready to discuss right away and what you are ready to discuss later.

Free and low-cost options

  • AHS Community Mental Health Clinics: free initial assessment, short-term therapy, Ukrainian translation available.

  • Refugee Stream CCC and CFS: completely free spots for refugees and low-income individuals.

  • Kids Help Phone: free hotline and chat with Ukrainian translation.

  • Community workshops and support groups at Ukrainian Canadian Social Services (UCSS) and local churches.

Tips for effective therapy

  • Regularity: attend sessions weekly for several months.

  • Homework: do the self-help exercises assigned by your psychologist.

  • Group support: join Ukrainian online and offline support clubs.

  • Social integration: use cultural events and community gatherings to break out of isolation.

There are a number of professionals and organizations in Calgary that are ready to provide support in Ukrainian. Regardless of the format you choose—in-person or online counseling, government or non-governmental programs—Ukrainians can find a specialist who will help them overcome stress, depression, and adaptation difficulties in a new city. Thanks to these resources, the first step toward restoring emotional balance becomes closer and more accessible.