Tara Syed
MSW, RSW | Clinical Director | Registered Social Worker & Psychotherapist
EnglishUrduHindi
Learn moreScarborough & Ontario
Refugee & Newcomer Counselling in Scarborough
Moving countries, rebuilding safety, and navigating systems can carry grief, stress, identity shifts, and trauma. Counselling can provide culturally responsive support through these transitions.
Who this is for
Support for what you are carrying
Refugees, newcomers, immigrants, and first-generation clientsSettlement stress, identity shifts, or family role changesTrauma, grief, anxiety, depression, or isolationCross-cultural relationship, school, work, or parenting stress
How therapy can help
A steadier way forward
Honour the complexity of migration and culture
Support emotional safety while processing stress or trauma
Build coping tools for transition and belonging
Navigate family and identity changes with compassion
Our approach
Evidence-based care, gently applied
Culturally responsive therapy
Trauma-informed therapy
CBT
Narrative therapy
Strengths-based therapy
What to expect in your first session
Your therapist will learn about your story, values, supports, and goals at your pace. You do not need to explain your whole history before receiving support.
Insurance & payment
Start with a free 15-minute consultation. Direct billing is available for many insurance providers, and receipts can be provided for reimbursement when needed.
Therapist fit
Meet therapists who can support this work
Therapist fit matters. You can learn more about each clinician or visit the About page to meet the full team.
Mansureh Khatam
MSW, RSW | Registered Social Worker & Psychotherapist
EnglishFarsi
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Nabila Al-Dobaye
MSW, RSW | Registered Social Worker & Psychotherapist
EnglishArabic
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Kajan Thevendran
MSW, RSW | Registered Social Worker & Psychotherapist
EnglishTamil
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Somasree Acharjee
MSW, RSW | Registered Social Worker & Psychotherapist
EnglishBengaliHindi
Learn moreLocal care
In-person therapy in Scarborough, virtual therapy across Ontario
Scarborough is home to many newcomer and immigrant communities. Optima supports clients across Scarborough, Toronto, North York, Markham, Pickering, Ajax, and virtually across Ontario.
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FAQ
Common questions about refugee & newcomer counselling in scarborough
Do you offer therapy in multiple languages?
Yes. Our team supports clients in several languages, including English, Arabic, Farsi, Tamil, Bengali, Hindi, Urdu, and Gujarati depending on therapist availability.
Can counselling help with settlement stress?
Yes. Counselling can support emotional wellbeing while you navigate identity, family roles, systems, work, school, and community changes.
Do you offer refugee & newcomer counselling in person in Scarborough?
Yes. Optima offers in-person therapy at 4544 Sheppard Ave East in Scarborough by appointment only.
Is virtual refugee & newcomer counselling available across Ontario?
Yes. We offer secure virtual therapy for clients across Ontario when it is clinically appropriate and a good fit for your needs.
Can I use insurance or direct billing?
Many extended health plans cover psychotherapy or social work services. Direct billing is available for many insurance providers, and receipts can be provided when needed.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is required. You can contact us directly to request a free 15-minute consultation.
Start with a free consultation.
If refugee & newcomer counselling in scarborough feels like the right next step, we can help you find a therapist fit and answer questions about in-person, virtual, and insurance options.
Book your free consultation