What we do
VICCIR provides mental health counselling to immigrants, refugees, and newcomer families living on Vancouver Island. We work with specially trained interpreters in over 30 languages, removing barriers to quality care for individuals and families whatever their economic or cultural context.
As a registered non-profit charity, we are deeply committed to ensuring that no one is turned away due to financial challenges. Fees are determined on a sliding scale, and clients who cannot pay are thoughtfully assessed and matched with the right clinician for their needs.
Our objectives for every client
Reduce the debilitating symptoms of trauma
Increase personal resiliency and self-mastery to improve quality of life
Help each person find within themselves an eagerness to participate in the communities that welcome them
The VICCIR Model
We have developed a unique, client-centred approach to therapy. Decisions are made based on the needs of the client and their family — not on which resources happen to be available.
Client-led matching
Clients are matched with the counsellor who best suits their needs, and may work with more than one counsellor over time.
Language access
Trained clinical interpreters enable each client to use their mother tongue, because healing requires emotional precision.
Team approach
A group of counsellors and interpreters often work with a whole family. Team members work in close communication with each other.
Whole-family care
Clients are seen as individuals, couples, and as whole families — including children and teens referred from schools.
No barriers
Clients of all ages, genders, and ethnicities are welcomed with no limitation based on immigration status or time in Canada.
No session limits
No limit is placed on the number of therapy sessions. Clients are able to return or continue therapy over an extended period.
Our model aligns with best practices identified by the Mental Health Commission of Canada: successful interventions use a multidisciplinary approach, are culturally sensitive, use trained paraprofessionals, and are linguistically appropriate.
A family from Sudan, newly arrived in Canada, came for counselling at VICCIR supported by their sponsorship group. The father had been imprisoned and tortured. He was left as the sole parent shortly after arriving, with no experience of parenting. The children's biological mother had been abusive and remained in Sudan. The family was traumatised and unable to begin their new life.
At VICCIR, the whole family could get therapy immediately — no waitlist. Each member was assigned a counsellor and interpreter. The team worked with the family and the sponsoring group. The younger children worked with our Art Therapist. Sometimes the whole family did art therapy together. The interpreters made it possible for all of this to happen in their native language.
The family described their weekly visits to VICCIR as the highlight of their week. After eight months, the children were assessed by Child and Youth Mental Health — one session, after which the therapist said there was no need for further involvement. The children are now doing well at school. Life continues to be difficult, but they have learned resilience, coping skills, and a way to process their trauma. They are now able to embark on their new life in Canada.
Our mission
VICCIR is driven by a commitment to empowerment and inclusion. We support the healing and integration of immigrant and refugee individuals, families and communities through mental health services that are trauma-informed, culturally safe and accessible.
We work to:
Restore resilience
Helping individuals and families affected by trauma, torture, displacement, and migration reclaim their strength, dignity, and hope.
Provide compassionate care
Through a trained and diverse team of counsellors, interpreters, and Health and Cultural Ambassadors who understand and reflect the communities we serve.
Ignite change
Serving as a hub for learning and capacity building, expanding mental health awareness, reinforcing community resources, and delivering transformative training to practicum students, professionals, and the public.
Promote collaboration
Making mental health services more welcoming, inclusive, and responsive to each person's unique background and needs.
We believe every individual deserves the opportunity to lead their life with dignity and well-being.
Our values
Inclusiveness
We serve immigrants and refugees of all ages from all countries who reside on Vancouver Island. Although clients are encouraged to contribute towards their treatment, no client is refused care — with the most traumatised clients given priority counselling.
Confidentiality
Essential to building trusting relationships between counsellors and clients, so information can be freely shared knowing it will be held in the strictest confidence.
Respect
For the personal, religious and cultural diversity of our clients — accomplished by ensuring the appropriate counsellors and interpreters are assigned to meet ethnic and language needs.
Service quality
Professional counsellors and trained interpreters receive ongoing trauma treatment training, guidance from the Director of Services, and regular debriefing after counselling sessions.
Welcoming people
Through our interactions and training of individuals and agencies, we help facilitate the positive integration of immigrants and refugees into Canadian society.
Work in the community
Our community work is focused on how to welcome newcomers, to discover shared values, and to navigate our differences with care. This takes many forms: a conversation with a teacher about a new student exhibiting signs of trauma; a regional workshop for mental health and public health workers; consultation with settlement agencies; collaboration with police and community services on domestic violence; and partnerships with academics on research that advances the field.
This work reflects our longer-term vision — for all citizens to contribute to communities that thrive on diversity of origin, culture, religion, and interests, strengthened by shared common values.
Our history
Founded on a humanitarian call
VICCIR was founded by Adrienne Carter and Linda McLagan. In more than fifteen years of service abroad as a psychotherapist, Adrienne witnessed the devastating effects of displacement and trauma on the human spirit. Upon returning to Victoria, she was determined to create a safe haven for immigrants and refugees on Vancouver Island who had lived similar experiences.
Their plans were transformed by the Fall 2015 announcement of a wave of Syrian refugees arriving to communities across Vancouver Island. Counsellors and interpreters came forward to offer their services pro bono — each with graduate degrees in psychology, social work, counselling, or child development, and most with specialised training in therapy.
From volunteers to professionals
With funding from government and community agencies, VICCIR was able to begin paying first its interpreters and then its counsellors — recognising the quality of the work and the need for sustainable service delivery.
The sole provider on Vancouver Island
Over 40 professional counsellors and skilled interpreters have answered the humanitarian call. VICCIR is the sole service provider on Vancouver Island for immigrants and refugees seeking relief from the symptoms of trauma, and the only centre that trains interpreters to work alongside informed counsellors.
Practical information
Counselling fees
VICCIR charges fees to help cover operating costs, designed to provide affordability and remove barriers to access. Fees are discussed on a case-by-case basis depending on the needs and circumstances of each individual and family.
Refugee clients who meet IFHP (Interim Federal Health Program) requirements receive services at no cost during the first year of settlement. Fees may also be waived for clients who meet our grant requirements. Higher fees may apply for couples and family therapy.
You pay on the day of your counselling session. If you do not attend and have not cancelled, you must pay half the session fee.
Cancellation policy
To cancel, you must call your counsellor, interpreter, or the office at least 24 hours before your scheduled appointment. If you miss three sessions without cancelling, VICCIR reserves the right to cancel further appointments.
Insurance
Some insurance companies may reimburse your fees. If this applies to you, VICCIR will provide a receipt. The decision to reimburse is made by your insurance company, and it is your responsibility to follow their steps before your first session.
Direct billing may be available for ICBC. Please inform our staff if you have coverage through ICBC and would like us to bill on your behalf.
What to expect at your first session
We look forward to welcoming you to our office, where you'll meet our friendly and dedicated team. Before your first session, we will review our fees, which are determined on a sliding scale. Our counselling services recognise that each individual is unique, and treatment plans are tailored accordingly. Cultural norms are respected, and you are encouraged to express yourself in your own language.