Mental Health for Newcomers in Alberta: A Practical Guide for Immigrants and Families

Moving to a new country is one of the most stressful life changes a person can make, even when it is a hopeful choice. Many newcomers to Alberta experience loneliness, money pressure, culture shock, job stress and changes in family roles. Some also carry trauma from war, persecution or a difficult journey. These reactions are understandable, and help is available. In Alberta you can see a counsellor without a referral, counselling is confidential, and free or low-cost options exist through IFHP, workplace benefits and sliding scale fees.

Common stresses after moving to Canada

• Loneliness: missing family, friends and familiar food, language and festivals
• Work and money: credential recognition, underemployment, survival jobs and sending money home
• Culture shock: different social norms, weather and systems
• Family changes: shifting roles between partners, and children adapting faster than parents
• Grief from far away: missing births, weddings and funerals back home
• Discrimination: racism or being treated as an outsider
• Past trauma: war, violence or persecution before or during migration

Signs you might benefit from support

• Ongoing worry, sadness or irritability lasting more than a few weeks
• Trouble sleeping, or nightmares
• Feeling hopeless, isolated or numb
• Increased conflict at home
• Using alcohol or other substances to cope
• Physical symptoms, such as headaches or stomach pain, without a clear medical cause

How counselling works in Canada

• No referral needed for private counsellors, social workers or psychologists.
• Confidential: counsellors do not share information with immigration authorities, employers or family without your consent, except for limited legal reasons such as serious risk of harm or child safety concerns.
• Registered professionals: look for registration with a regulatory college, such as the Alberta College of Social Workers.
• Talk-based: sessions are conversations focused on your goals, usually 50 minutes.
• Your pace: you choose what to talk about.

Our article on what to expect in your first session explains more.

Paying for counselling

• Alberta Health Care covers doctors and hospital care but not private counselling.
• IFHP: eligible refugees and refugee claimants can receive counselling at no cost.
• Workplace and student benefits: many plans cover counselling.
• Sliding scale: reduced fees for low income or hardship at some practices, including Disha.

See free and low-cost counselling in Edmonton.

Counselling in your language

Speaking in your first language can make it easier to explain feelings and be understood. At Disha, counselling is available in English, Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu and Nepali. See counselling in Hindi and South Asian counselling in Edmonton.

Supporting your family

• Keep family routines and traditions that bring comfort
• Talk openly with children about the move and their feelings
• Expect children to adapt at a different pace, and stay curious about their world
• Look after your own wellbeing, too

Our Parenting Across Cultures Group and family therapy can help.

Where to get help in Alberta

• Emergency: call 911
• Crisis line: call or text 9-8-8, any time
• Health advice: Health Link at 811
• Alberta Mental Health Help Line: 1-877-303-2642, 24 hours a day
• Community services: call or text 211
• Settlement agencies: help with language, jobs, housing and navigating services
• Counselling at Disha: immigrant and newcomer counselling and our Newcomer Support Group

Frequently asked questions

Will seeing a counsellor affect my immigration application?

No. Counselling is confidential and separate from immigration processes. Information is not shared without your consent, except for limited legal reasons explained at the start.

Can refugee claimants get free counselling?

Yes, with active IFHP coverage. Bring your IFHP certificate or Refugee Protection Claimant Document.

Is it normal to feel sad after moving to a new country?

Yes. Grief, loneliness and stress are common after migration. If they last or interfere with daily life, support can help.

Can I get counselling in Punjabi or Hindi in Edmonton?

Yes. Counselling at Disha is available in Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu, Nepali and English.

Do I need a doctor’s referral?

No. You can book directly with a private counsellor.

Reviewed by Mukesh Mishra, MSW, RCSW, Registered Clinical Social Worker and ACSW-approved RCSW supervisor at Disha Counselling & Wellness Centre. This article is general information and is not a substitute for individual professional advice.