Moving to a new country, especially for immigrants and refugees, is one of the most stressful events in a person's life. Separation from family, loss of familiar social systems, language barriers, cultural differences, and the difficulty of finding work and housing can all lead to significant psychological stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. In addition, refugees often bring with them trauma related to war, conflict, and deprivation, which can lead to symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety, limiting their ability to successfully integrate into society.
Edmonton, as a city with a large immigrant community, has begun to develop a comprehensive system of organizations and services specifically designed to support immigrants in overcoming stress and mental health challenges. These organizations understand the unique challenges faced by immigrants and refugees and offer culturally sensitive and community-based support that takes into account the specificities of their situation.
Key organizations to support immigrants in overcoming stress
Multicultural Health Brokers Co-operative (MCHB)
Multicultural Health Brokers Co-operative (MCHB) is a worker-owned co-operative founded 24 years ago to support newcomers to Edmonton. MCHB's primary goal is to improve the health and well-being of families and support their efforts to build a community where they can thrive and actively contribute to society.
MCHB offers comprehensive mental health support services, including individual therapy for adults, adolescents, and children (ages 5 and up), couples counseling, play therapy, trauma therapy, and holistic family therapy. One of the greatest advantages of MCHB is that all services are provided in the clients' first language and are completely free of charge.
The team of counselors at MCHB consists of clinical social workers, registered psychologists, and licensed clinical counselors who understand and value the importance of culture in a person's life. When necessary and desired, counselors can work with interpreters and “cultural mediators” who share the same or similar culture as the client to help overcome language and cultural barriers and provide holistic support.
MCHB also offers a variety of community programs and workshops designed to support the mental health of immigrants. In addition, MCHB has youth and family groups designed to improve the overall mental and physical health of immigrants and refugees and their families.
Counselors at MCHB can meet with clients virtually, regardless of where they live in Alberta, as well as in person at MCHB's office locations in Edmonton and select rural locations. Sessions are completely free, and clients can meet with a counselor as many times as they and their counselor deem necessary.
Contact information: MCHB can be reached at 403-943-0275.
Edmonton Newcomer Centre (formerly Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers)
Edmonton Newcomer Centre, formerly known as Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers, is a resettlement service in Edmonton that addresses the needs of immigrants and refugees in Canada. The centre offers a wide range of resettlement services, including psychological services for survivors of torture and therapeutic counselling for all newcomers.
The centre offers therapeutic and counselling services with a unique, holistic, and community-oriented approach. Because resettling in a new country brings many mental health challenges, including role changes and financial difficulties that can lead to marital and parent-child conflicts, the Centre offers support that takes these unique circumstances into account.
The services offered by the Edmonton Newcomer Centre include counseling in a private, safe, and confidential setting. Services are available for children, youth, couples, and families, and all are provided at no cost. The Centre's staff are well-trained and consider the cultural perspectives, immigration processes, and gender expectations of clients.
The Centre's therapeutic services are designed to help immigrants develop resilience, reduce social isolation, and successfully navigate the transition between two cultures. In addition, the Center's services are integrated into a larger organization that connects newcomers with social workers and other services to strengthen their resilience and ability to function in their new environment.
Services are offered in various locations, including the Centre's offices (North and South), schools, and homes (when possible). Wait times for services are calculated jointly with another organization (the Newcomer Centre and Multicultural Health Brokers Cooperative have a shared wait list for all mental health referrals).
Contact information: You can contact the Edmonton Newcomer Centre at 780-566-0889 (clinical director) or 780-686-9602 (team leader), or send an email to [email protected].
Edmonton Immigrant Services Association (EISA)
The Edmonton Immigrant Services Association (EISA) is an organization that provides resettlement and integration services for immigrants and refugees in Edmonton. In addition to interpretation and translation services, EISA also provides information about available mental health services and can help people navigate the mental health system.
EISA helps newcomers overcome the stress and frustration of resettlement and adapting to a new life in Canada. The organization runs various information and support programs designed to help immigrants overcome mental health challenges.
Contact information: EISA is located at Suite #201, 10720 -113 Street, Edmonton and can be contacted at 780-474-8445 (ext. 226).
The Immigrant Education Society (TIES)
The Immigrant Education Society (TIES) is a non-profit organization that provides educational workshops, counseling, and information to help people overcome the mental health challenges of resettlement. TIES specializes in working with immigrants and refugees, including Ukrainians, in all regions of Canada.
Although TIES is primarily known for its English language classes and literacy programs for newcomers, the organization also provides counseling and support for people experiencing mental health challenges. TIES offers individual counseling, group workshops, and informational resources designed to help people cope with stress, anxiety, depression, and other issues related to resettlement.
Contact Information: You can contact TIES at 403-235-3666 for information about their services in Edmonton and the surrounding area.
CUIAS Immigrant Services
CUIAS Immigrant Services is a non-profit organization with over 50 years of experience providing a comprehensive range of free resettlement and adaptation services in Canada. CUIAS understands that adapting to a new life in Canada can be a difficult journey filled with emotional challenges.
CUIAS mental health services are designed to provide competent, culturally sensitive assistance to individuals and families navigating these transitions. Services include short-term counseling—personalized one-on-one sessions that offer guidance, emotional support, and strategies for managing stress, anxiety, and other life challenges. In addition, CUIAS offers support groups—safe spaces to connect with others who have similar experiences, fostering a sense of community, understanding, and mutual support.
CUIAS recognizes that mental health issues affect everyone differently, and services are designed to be inclusive and tailored to the unique needs of clients, whether they are newcomers, refugees, or long-term residents seeking support.
Groups and Programs to Support Immigrants
Edmonton Newcomers Centre - Emotional Resilience Workshop
The Edmonton Newcomers Centre offers the Emotional Resilience Workshop, a transformative program designed to empower individuals with the skills necessary to navigate mental health and well-being. This workshop teaches coping strategies, stress management, and other techniques to increase mental resilience.
CMHA Edmonton - Stress Management Programs
The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Edmonton offers free webinars and programs on stress management. These one-hour webinars explore how our minds and bodies respond to stress and examine ways to manage and cope with stress, as well as how to find balance in these uncertain times.
CMHA is also working to close the knowledge and resource gap for specific immigrant communities. Through ongoing partnerships, CMHA Edmonton and MCHC have gained a better understanding and awareness of the specific issues these communities face and the gaps in knowledge about resources.
The Today Centre - Immigrant Women's Stress, Self Care and Wellbeing Workshop
The Today Centre, in partnership with the Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers, offers workshops for immigrant women on stress, self-care, and wellbeing. During this workshop, participants gain an understanding of how stress and difficulties affect our bodies and minds, and learn what they can do to keep themselves healthy.
Public Mental Health Services for Immigrants
Mental Health Helpline - Alberta Mental Health Helpline
The Alberta Mental Health Helpline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-877-303-2642. The line is staffed by qualified mental health professionals, including psychologists, social workers, and addiction counselors, who can provide confidential support, information, and referrals to other services.
The line is especially valuable for immigrants because it offers interpretation services in more than 100 languages, including Ukrainian.
211 Alberta
211 Alberta is a comprehensive service that connects residents to a database of community and social services, including mental health services. You can call 211, text INFO to 211, or use the website to get information about available resources and organizations that support immigrants.
Counselling Alberta
Counselling Alberta is a provincial service that offers affordable counselling to all Albertans through a sliding scale of fees. The service offers same-day appointments and virtual counselling across the province. You can contact 1-833-827-4230 for information about services.
Special Programs and Initiatives
Wellness Together Canada
Wellness Together Canada is a digital resource that provides access to mental health and wellness tools for people across Canada, including immigrants. The resource offers information and tools for managing stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues.
Alberta Health Services (AHS) Mental Health Services
Alberta Health Services offers counseling and psychological support free of charge to all Alberta residents, including immigrants and refugees. AHS has an oral interpretation system that allows immigrants to speak with a psychologist through an interpreter.
The Importance of Culturally Sensitive Support
One of the key aspects that distinguishes these organizations is their understanding of the importance of culture and cultural sensitivity in providing mental health support. Many organizations intentionally hire counselors and mediators who come from the same cultural backgrounds as their clients to ensure that clients receive support that takes into account their cultural values and beliefs.
In addition, these organizations understand the unique challenges faced by immigrants, including separation from family, loss of support, language barriers, cultural adjustment, and the difficulty of finding housing, work, and community. All of these factors can contribute to stress and make a person more vulnerable to mental health issues.
Accessibility and removing barriers
Most organizations that support immigrants in coping with stress in Edmonton strive to remove barriers to accessing services. This includes offering services in different languages, at different locations, and at different times, including online options. In addition, most services are completely free or on a sliding scale of fees, making them accessible to people with limited financial resources.
Conclusions on supporting immigrants in coping with stress in Edmonton
In summary, Edmonton has a comprehensive system of organizations and services designed specifically to support immigrants and refugees in coping with stress and mental health challenges. Key organizations, including the Multicultural Health Brokers Co-operative, Edmonton Newcomer Centre, Edmonton Immigrant Services Association, The Immigrant Education Society, and CUIAS Immigrant Services, offer a wide range of services, from individual counseling to group programs and workshops.
These organizations understand the unique challenges faced by immigrants and refugees and offer culturally sensitive, community-based support that takes into account the specificities of their situation. Most services are provided completely free of charge, in different languages, at different locations, and at different times, making them accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation or language barriers.
If you are a newcomer, immigrant, or refugee in Edmonton experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges, don't hesitate to reach out to one of these organizations. Call the Alberta Mental Health Line at 1-877-303-2642, contact one of the main organizations, or attend one of their workshops. You are not alone on this journey, and there are plenty of resources and support available to help you manage your stress and achieve better mental health and quality of life.