Home / Services / Immigrant and Newcomer Counselling
Moving to Canada brings opportunity and real strain: settlement stress, loneliness, family changes and the pressure to make it all work. Newcomer counselling gives you a confidential place to talk it through, in English, Hindi, Nepali, Punjabi or Urdu.
Registeredclinical social worker
In personor online across Alberta
MultilingualEnglish, Hindi, Nepali, Punjabi, Urdu
On this page: What it is Signs How we help How it works Therapists FAQ Book
Quick answer
Immigrant and newcomer counselling is counselling that understands how migration affects mental health. It helps with the stress of settling in a new country, such as finding work, credential recognition, isolation, money worries, culture shock and changes in family roles, as well as anxiety, low mood, grief and trauma that can follow a big move. Your counsellor takes your culture, language, faith and family into account instead of asking you to leave them at the door.
Eligible refugees and refugee claimants with active Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) coverage can access counselling at no cost, and we bill IFHP directly. Many newcomers with workplace benefits are also covered for counselling with a Registered Clinical Social Worker.
Is this right for you?
Adjusting to a new country is hard, even when the move was your choice. Support can help if any of these sound familiar.
Pressure around jobs, housing, money, credentials or immigration status that never seems to let up.
Missing family and friends back home, or feeling like you do not belong here yet.
Shifting roles between partners, or tension between parents and children growing up in two cultures.
Losing a loved one back home, or missing important moments you cannot travel for.
Constant worry, poor sleep, irritability or losing interest in things you used to enjoy.
Experiences of war, persecution, violence or a dangerous journey that still affect you today.
Start with a free 15-minute consultation to ask questions and see if we are the right fit. No referral is needed.
How we help
We start by understanding your story, including where you come from, what you have left behind and what you hope for here, then build a plan that fits your life and values.
Sessions are usually 50 to 60 minutes, in person at our South Edmonton office or online by secure video anywhere in Alberta.
We explore how culture, religion, family expectations and community shape what you are going through, without stereotypes. Sessions can be in your preferred language.
CBT and stress-management tools help with worry, sleep, low mood and the day-to-day pressure of settling in.
For people who have lived through war, persecution or a difficult journey, we work at a safe pace, using approaches such as EMDR when appropriate.
Step by step
A typical path. Your therapist adapts it to you.
A free 15-minute call to share what is going on, ask questions and get matched with the right therapist.
We listen, understand your history and goals, and agree on a plan together.
You build practical skills in session and try them in daily life, at a pace that feels manageable.
We check progress against your goals and adjust, wrap up, or plan follow-up support.
Care from a Registered Clinical Social Worker (MSW, RCSW) who is a Diplomate and Certified in CBT, with EMDR, DBT and Gottman training.
Our office is in South Edmonton, with secure video sessions anywhere in Alberta.
Counselling in English, Hindi, Nepali, Punjabi and Urdu.
We direct bill select insurance providers. Eligible clients can access free counselling through NIHB and IFHP.
Respectful, trauma-informed care for people of every background.
Choose your therapist
Pick someone who feels like a good fit, then book directly with them on Jane or send us a request below.
Registered Clinical Social Worker
Registered Clinical Social Worker in Alberta and Registered Social Worker in Ontario, offering trauma-informed, culturally responsive counselling for individuals, couples and families.
Not sure who to choose? Select “No preference” in the form and we will match you.
No. Counselling is confidential, and we do not share information with immigration authorities, employers or family without your written consent, except for the limited legal exceptions your counsellor explains in the first session.
Eligible refugees and refugee claimants with active IFHP coverage can receive counselling at no cost. We bill IFHP directly. Bring your IFHP certificate or document to confirm eligibility.
Yes. Counselling is available in English, Hindi, Nepali, Punjabi and Urdu.
Yes. Many student health plans cover counselling with a Registered Clinical Social Worker. Check your plan, or ask us about options.
Yes. We offer individual, couples and family sessions, so you can choose what fits the situation.
No. You can book directly online or by phone. A doctor’s referral is not required, although some insurance plans ask for one, so check your plan if you plan to claim.
Many extended health plans cover counselling with a Registered Clinical Social Worker. We direct bill select insurance providers, and eligible clients can access free counselling through NIHB and IFHP. Check your plan for coverage details.
Our office is at 3818A 97 St NW #203, Edmonton, AB T6E 6N2, in South Edmonton. We also offer secure online sessions anywhere in Alberta.
Take the first step
Send a request and we will reply to arrange your first session, or book a time yourself on our secure Jane App portal.
587-372-3143
contact@disha.ca
3818A 97 St NW #203, Edmonton, AB T6E 6N2
In crisis? Call or text 9-8-8, or dial 911. This form is not monitored around the clock.
