Purpose and Scope

The purpose of this report is to provide guidelines for a standardized clinical counselling protocol for counsellors working with the immigrant population. These guidelines have been developed specifically in conjunction with the research project: Enhancing Wellness and Crime Prevention in the Pandemic Among Immigrant Youth and Women Survivors of Violence: Development of an Interactive Mentoring Application (APP).

Overall, this report comprehensively addresses the cultural values, beliefs, and their implications for mental health within this demographic. While it’s crucial for social services organizations to understand culturally sensitive care and the effects of trauma on immigrant populations, it is also essential to clarify that these best practices guidelines are not a substitute for trauma therapy. Rather, the intention is to establish and provide a supportive environment that reduces the risk of re-traumatization and delivers solution focused, strengths-based care as required. Therefore, the guidelines outlined in this report focus on practice and standards of care for participants in focus groups.