OCISO’s Counselling Program is uniquely equipped to provide counselling services to the immigrant and refugee population in 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 do not just “respect” our client’s culture – we incorporate that culture into the therapeutic process.
These services are private and confidential. We provide up to 6 (six) sessions of short-term counselling and referrals. Our services are available in English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Farsi, Dari, German, and Czech. Interpretation services for other languages may be available.
The program provides specific training to interpreters to work with counsellors.
Our Clients: immigrants, refugees, refugee claimants, citizens, permit holders, adults, youth and children.
* IMPORTANT NOTE: If you or the referred person is in crisis and you are concerned about your/their immediate safety (e.g., actively planning suicide, expressed plans to harm others, or experiencing hallucinations and/or delusions) please call Crisis Line: 613-722-6914 or 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Department.
