McAtee Psychology

IFHP Refugee Support

At McAtee Psychology, we are dedicated to providing compassionate, culturally sensitive, and neurodiversity-affirming mental health care for refugees, asylum seekers, and newcomers. Navigating a new country while processing past trauma, separation, or life transitions is uniquely challenging. When these experiences overlap with neurodivergent conditions like ADHD or Autism, having specialized support makes all the difference.
Through Canada’s Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP), eligible refugees and refugee claimants can access fully funded psychological services and mental health counselling.

McAtee Psychology in Calgary

Tailored Mental Health Support for Newcomers

Our clinical team understands that mental health is not one-size-fits-all. We provide specialized care tailored to your unique identity, lived experiences, and cognitive needs.

Managing Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) while adapting to a new language, healthcare system, and cultural environment can feel overwhelming. Symptoms such as emotional dysregulation, difficulty focusing, disorganization, and time management struggles are often amplified by resettlement stress.

  • Neurodiversity-Affirming Strategies: Practical tools for daily routines, time management, and task initiation adapted to your new environment.
  • Disentangling Trauma from ADHD: Distinguishing between trauma-induced hypervigilance/brain fog and core ADHD traits to ensure accurate care.
  • Self-Advocacy & System Navigation: Empowering you to communicate your needs in workplace, educational, or community settings.

For autistic individuals, forced displacement and sudden relocation mean navigating heightened sensory demands, unfamiliar social norms, and disrupted routines. We offer neurodivergent-affirming therapy that honours your authentic communication style and sensory preferences.

  • Sensory & Emotional Regulation: Helping you process sensory overload and emotional fatigue caused by unfamiliar surroundings and cultural adjustment.
  • Cross-Cultural Communication: Exploring social dynamics in a new country without demanding unhelpful mask-wearing or suppressing who you are.
  • Identity & Belonging: Fostering self-acceptance and resilience as you establish safety and community.

Many refugees have survived conflict, persecution, or loss. In addition to neurodivergent support, our clinicians provide evidence-based care for:

  • Post-Traumatic Stress (PTSD) & Flashbacks
  • Anxiety, Grief, and Resettlement Stress
  • Family Dynamic Shifts & Intergenerational Support

Understanding IFHP Coverage

The Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) provides temporary coverage for essential health services, including psychological care and counselling, for eligible refugees, protected persons, and refugee claimants.

Direct Billing Available:
McAtee Psychology is a registered IFHP provider. We bill Medavie Blue Cross directly, ensuring you do not have to worry about out-of-pocket costs for approved psychological care.

McAtee Psychology in Calgary

How to Get Started with IFHP Services

Accessing therapy under the IFHP program is straightforward. Here is how our team guides you through each step:

Locate your valid IFHP eligibility document, such as a Refugee Protection Claimant Document (RPCD), Refugee Protection Identity Document (RPID), or IFHP Certificate.

Ask your family doctor, walk-in clinic physician, or nurse practitioner to complete a referral for psychological counselling or therapy.

Reach out to our intake team. We will confirm your coverage details, verify documentation with Medavie Blue Cross, and match you with a therapist experienced in ADHD, Autism, and trauma-informed care.

Meet with your therapist either in person or via secure telehealth. We manage all direct billing so you can focus entirely on your well-being.

You Are Not Alone

Whether you are seeking clarity around ADHD, looking for autism-affirming care, or needing a safe space to heal from past trauma, McAtee Psychology is here to support you. Contact us today to book your initial consultation or learn more about IFHP-covered therapy.

McAtee Psychology

How To Get Started

Whether you prefer virtual sessions that fit into your busy schedule or in-person counselling sessions in Calgary, we are here to support you.

Get Started With Counselling
Click the Book Online button to immediately book in an appointment or free consultation. Free consultations are optional and give you an opportunity to meet your therapist and determine if you’re a good fit.
Not sure which service or clinician to book with?
Get Started With An Assessment

Onboarding for all assessment services require you to contact our clinic. Our admin team will be in touch to explain our process and get you started. You can contact us via phone or by submitting an inquiry via the contact form.

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