New program offers full range of mental health services for immigrants

An Ontario-based organization places holistic mental health services at the heart of the settlement process for newcomers to Canada.

Called the Newcomer Health and Wellness Program and funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to the tune of $2.2 million, this new initiative is designed to meet the needs of each newcomer in a personalized and comprehensive manner.

The Canadian Mental Health Association, York Region & South Simcoe (CMHA-YRSS) – a branch of a national non-profit organization serving the York Region in the Greater Toronto Area – is behind the new initiative focused on improving mental health and well-being outcomes for immigrants and refugees aged 12 years and older.

Much of the current research on the mental health of new immigrants indicates that they are particularly vulnerable to mental health problems. According to a recent study published by Statistics Canada and the IRCC, when they arrive in Canada, immigrants are healthier than the Canadian-born population – a phenomenon called the “healthy immigrant effect”. However, due to the stresses and strains of cultural differences, language barriers and the process of integrating into a new society, this initial health advantage often disappears.