1. Send a referral
Complete the referral form for yourself or, with permission, for someone else currently living in British Columbia.
VICCIR counselling program
Individual, Couple and Family Counselling for Newcomers
Trauma-informed, culturally safe mental health counselling for immigrants, refugees, children, youth, couples, and families on Vancouver Island.
Request Counselling SupportWho this counselling is for
VICCIR works with people born outside Canada, including refugees, immigrants, sponsored newcomers, and families at different stages of settlement.
Clients of all ages, genders, ethnicities, and immigration statuses are welcomed. Counselling can involve one person, a couple, children or youth, individual family members, or a whole family.
What counselling can address
People contact VICCIR for support with trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, displacement, relationship strain, parenting pressure, difficult adjustment to life in Canada, and other mental health concerns.
Treatment plans are shaped around each client's needs, culture, family situation, and preferred language.
How to access counselling
2. VICCIR reviews the request
Staff discuss fit and consider the counselling, interpretation, and team support that may be appropriate.
3. Arrange the next step
VICCIR contacts you to discuss matching, fees, and the next available appointment.
Location and service area
VICCIR is based in Victoria and serves newcomers on Vancouver Island. Sessions are currently provided in person and online. The referral form accepts requests for immigrants and refugees living in British Columbia.
View VICCIR office and contact informationFees and language access
Fees are discussed case by case using a sliding-scale approach. Specially trained clinical interpreters are available when needed so clients can communicate in the language that is best for care.
How clinical interpretation supports counselling