OCISO's Counselling Program is uniquely equipped to provide counselling services to the immigrant and refugee population in the city of Ottawa. We offer clinical counselling to culturally diverse clients with migration and culture-related issues, and specialize in assisting survivors of war torture, trauma, political persecution and imprisonment.
We employ a wide variety of intervention techniques which allow for a culturally sensitive and responsive therapeutic process. We don't just "respect" our client's culture – we incorporate that culture into the therapeutic process.
Our services are private and confidential and are offered in English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Farsi, Dari, Nepali, Hindi, and other languages as needed.The program provides specific training to interpreters to work with counsellors.
Click on “Counselling Program” to download our brochure
If you…
Feel sad, scared or just not sure how to cope…
Find memories from the past affecting you, making it hard to manage your new life…
Need help with changes in your marriage or family situation…
Are worried about talking to your neighbours, friends, parents or your children…
Change is possible.
Our Clients
• Immigrants
• Refugees
• Refugee claimants
• Citizens
• Permit holders
• Adults, youth and children
Our Services
• Short or long-term counselling
• Individual, couple, family and group counselling
• Include your culture and migration experiences in counselling
• Respect your cultural needs and preferences
• Private and confidential
• Include support & social groups for youth and women
• Case conferences with other professionals in the community
• Preparation of clinical reports
• Presentations on cross-cultural counselling to other service providers
• Expert witness support for trials
• A unique opportunity for a field placement for master level university students interested in counselling training from a cross-cultural perspective.
To make an appointment or for a referral, contact:
Carmen Gloria Urbina, M.Ed., OACCPP, Clinical Supervisor
Phone: 613-725-5671, ext. 322
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Appointments are available Monday to Friday, day or evening. Fees are paid on a sliding scale but are waived if you have limited income.
Immigrant and Refugee Youth Counselling Project
This project, under the umbrella of the larger Counselling Program, provides group counselling interventions for immigrant and refugee youth aims to:
• Support the development of a healthy self-esteem, self-confidence, and identity and to ease the transition process to a new culture
• Increase youth engagement, sense of belonging, and connectedness to their communities
• Encourage and help foster development and realization of full potentia
For more information about the Immigrant and Refugee Youth Counselling, contact:
CHRISTY ETIENNE, M.Ed. COUNSELLING YOUTH PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Phone: 613-725-5671, ext. 352
Fax: 613-725-9054
E-mail:Youth Counselling
Immigrant Women's Program:
The Immigrant Women's Program provides immigrant and refugee women opportunities to meet other immigrant women in an atmosphere of mutual support. We provide mentoring, group activities, workshops, and events to help women better understand and integrate.
The Program offers:
· Assistance with women-specific adaptation and integration needs
· Support to decrease isolation, develop network opportunities and learn new skills
· Support with parenting in the Canadian context
· Opportunities to practice language skills and develop friendships
· Free Computer training for immigrant women
For more detailed information about the Immigrant Women's Program or to join, please contact:
Immigrant Women Program
Phone: 613-725-5671 (ext. 400)
Fax:613-725-9054
E-mail:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Jeannine Bradley , intern MSW Program
Phone: 613-725-5671 ext. 400
Fax: 613-725-9054
For more information about the Counselling Program, contact:
Counselling Program CLINICAL SUPERVISOR
Phone: 613-725-5671 EXT 322
Fax: 613-725-9054
E-mail:Counseling
Phone: 613-725-5671 EXT 322
Fax: 613-725-9054
E-mail:Counseling