Find a Culturally Competent Therapist

Browse therapists who demonstrate cultural competence. Watch their intro videos to find the right fit before booking.

Culturally competent therapy involves therapists who have developed awareness, knowledge, and skills to work effectively with clients from diverse backgrounds. These therapists recognize how culture shapes experiences and work to understand and respect your unique context. Cultural competence includes ongoing learning and the humility to acknowledge the limits of one's own cultural perspective.

On First Session, you can browse therapists who demonstrate cultural competence and watch their intro videos to get a sense of their approach. All therapists have their credentials verified during onboarding. Whether you prefer online or in-person sessions, you can book directly or request a free consultation to find the right match.

Crystal Soares

Registered Social Worker
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Woodbridge, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON.
Waitlist
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Crystal Soares

Crystal Soares

Registered Social Worker
She/Her
$160/session
Attachment wounds, Intergenerational trauma, Boundaries and boundary setting, Relationships, Dealing with difficult or narcissistic personalities, Trauma, People pleasing, Self-esteem, LGBTQ2IA+, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Perfectionism, Overwhelm, Childhood trauma, Familial and social relationships, Anger, Anxiety, Attachment trauma, Dating challenges, Assertiveness, Break-up recovery, Depression, Attachment, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Social anxiety, Sexuality
Attachment wounds, Intergenerational trauma, Boundaries and boundary setting, Relationships, Dealing with difficult or narcissistic personalities, Trauma, People pleasing, Self-esteem, LGBTQ2IA+, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Perfectionism, Overwhelm, Childhood trauma, Familial and social relationships, Anger, Anxiety, Attachment trauma, Dating challenges, Assertiveness, Break-up recovery, Depression, Attachment, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Social anxiety, Sexuality

Natasha Mano

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Brampton, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON.
Waitlist
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Natasha Mano

Karla Rivera

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Waterloo, ON)
Virtual Sessions in all provinces and territories.
Waitlist
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Karla Rivera

Karla Rivera

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
She/Her/Hers
$145/session
Nervous system regulation, Parenting, Spirituality, Self-esteem, Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Boundaries and boundary setting, Building Self-Care Routines, Intergenerational trauma, Mind-body connection, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Wellness Counselling, Mindfulness
Nervous system regulation, Parenting, Spirituality, Self-esteem, Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Boundaries and boundary setting, Building Self-Care Routines, Intergenerational trauma, Mind-body connection, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Wellness Counselling, Mindfulness

Luigi Garde

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Toronto, ON)
Virtual Sessions in all provinces and territories.
Waitlist
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Luigi Garde

Luigi Garde

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
He/Him
$140/session
Men's issues, Identity and Self-Exploration, Meaning and purpose, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, BIPOC, Caregiver burnout, Thought Restructuring, Workplace stress, Addiction, Sports Performance, Empowerment, Responsibility, Anger Management, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Attachment, Trauma, Depression, Cultural Challenges, Decision making, Goal Setting, Effective communication, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Navigating challenging relationships, Masculinity, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Grief and Loss
Men's issues, Identity and Self-Exploration, Meaning and purpose, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, BIPOC, Caregiver burnout, Thought Restructuring, Workplace stress, Addiction, Sports Performance, Empowerment, Responsibility, Anger Management, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Attachment, Trauma, Depression, Cultural Challenges, Decision making, Goal Setting, Effective communication, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Navigating challenging relationships, Masculinity, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Grief and Loss

Hana Urushizawa

Registered Therapeutic Counsellor
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Ladysmith, BC)
Virtual Sessions in BC, ON, AB, QC, and MB.
Waitlist
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Hana Urushizawa

Hana Urushizawa

Registered Therapeutic Counsellor
$150/session
Relationships, Cultural Challenges, Nervous system regulation, Attachment wounds, BIPOC, Boundaries and boundary setting, Childhood trauma, Family Conflict, Highly Sensitive Person, Trauma processing, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Motivation, Navigating challenging relationships, Separation anxiety, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Mind-body connection, Self-Regulation, Trauma, Identity and Self-Exploration
Relationships, Cultural Challenges, Nervous system regulation, Attachment wounds, BIPOC, Boundaries and boundary setting, Childhood trauma, Family Conflict, Highly Sensitive Person, Trauma processing, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Motivation, Navigating challenging relationships, Separation anxiety, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Mind-body connection, Self-Regulation, Trauma, Identity and Self-Exploration

Julianna Harry

Registered Psychotherapist
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Toronto, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON, AB, and BC.
Waitlist
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Julianna Harry

Julianna Harry

Registered Psychotherapist
She/Her/Hers
$180/session
Anxiety, Depression, Transitioning into Adulthood, Life transitions, Break-up recovery, Financial Stress, Building Self-Care Routines, Burnout, Workplace stress, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Self-Regulation, Stress, Empowerment, BIPOC, Identity and Self-Exploration
Anxiety, Depression, Transitioning into Adulthood, Life transitions, Break-up recovery, Financial Stress, Building Self-Care Routines, Burnout, Workplace stress, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Self-Regulation, Stress, Empowerment, BIPOC, Identity and Self-Exploration

Anka Krivokuca

Registered Social Worker
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Toronto, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON.
Waitlist
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Anka Krivokuca

Anka Krivokuca

Registered Social Worker
She/Her
$190/session
Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, OCD, ADHD, Body Dysmorphia, Depression, Fears and phobia, Health anxiety, Panic attacks, Workplace stress, Thought Restructuring, Social anxiety, Relationship anxiety, Performance anxiety, Boundaries and boundary setting, PTSD
Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, OCD, ADHD, Body Dysmorphia, Depression, Fears and phobia, Health anxiety, Panic attacks, Workplace stress, Thought Restructuring, Social anxiety, Relationship anxiety, Performance anxiety, Boundaries and boundary setting, PTSD

Alicia Panchal

Registered Social Worker
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Toronto, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON.
Waitlist
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Alicia Panchal

Alicia Panchal

Registered Social Worker
$170/session
Anxiety, Attachment, BIPOC, Boundaries and boundary setting, Children/Teens, Depression, Eating disorders, Emotional regulation, Familial and social relationships, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Negative body image, Panic attacks, People pleasing, Perfectionism, Self-esteem, Social anxiety, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Grief and Loss
Anxiety, Attachment, BIPOC, Boundaries and boundary setting, Children/Teens, Depression, Eating disorders, Emotional regulation, Familial and social relationships, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Negative body image, Panic attacks, People pleasing, Perfectionism, Self-esteem, Social anxiety, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Grief and Loss

Jane Aure

Registered Social Worker
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Mississauga, ON)
Virtual Sessions in BC, AB, MB, and NB.
Waitlist
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Jane Aure

Jane Aure

Registered Social Worker
$185/session
Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, Addiction, Anger Management, Break-up recovery, Attachment, Bipolar Disorder, Burnout, Conflict resolution, Couples Therapy, Eating disorders, Effective communication, Emotional regulation, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Life transitions, Maternal mental health, Relationships, Thought Restructuring, Grief and Loss
Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, Addiction, Anger Management, Break-up recovery, Attachment, Bipolar Disorder, Burnout, Conflict resolution, Couples Therapy, Eating disorders, Effective communication, Emotional regulation, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Life transitions, Maternal mental health, Relationships, Thought Restructuring, Grief and Loss

Ahilia Singh Morales

Registered Social Worker
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Toronto, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON.
Waitlist
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Ahilia Singh Morales

Ahilia Singh Morales

Registered Social Worker
she/her
$225/session
BIPOC, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Nervous system regulation, Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Addiction, ADHD, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Anxiety, Attachment trauma, Childhood trauma, Burnout, Chronic Illness, Depression, Intergenerational trauma, Highly Sensitive Person, Maternal mental health, Pain management, PTSD, Trauma, Spirituality
BIPOC, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Nervous system regulation, Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Addiction, ADHD, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Anxiety, Attachment trauma, Childhood trauma, Burnout, Chronic Illness, Depression, Intergenerational trauma, Highly Sensitive Person, Maternal mental health, Pain management, PTSD, Trauma, Spirituality

Andrew Goldstein

Registered Social Worker
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (North York, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON.
Waitlist
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Andrew Goldstein

Andrew Goldstein

Registered Social Worker
He/Him
$170/session
Depression, Anxiety, Separation and divorce, Boundaries and boundary setting, Chronic and acute illness, Aging, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Creativity, Family Conflict, Break-up recovery, Familial and social relationships, Vulnerability, Trauma processing, Grief and Loss, Identity and Self-Exploration
Depression, Anxiety, Separation and divorce, Boundaries and boundary setting, Chronic and acute illness, Aging, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Creativity, Family Conflict, Break-up recovery, Familial and social relationships, Vulnerability, Trauma processing, Grief and Loss, Identity and Self-Exploration

Natasha Sandy

Registered Psychotherapist
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Toronto, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON.
Waitlist
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Natasha Sandy

Natasha Sandy

Registered Psychotherapist
$180/session
Supervising qualifying therapists, Anxiety, Depression, Relationships, Trauma processing, Attachment wounds, Assertiveness, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Boundaries and boundary setting, Burnout, Building Meaningful Connections, Workplace stress, Break-up recovery, Childhood trauma, Trauma, Mental Decolonization, Connecting with your Inherent Power, Oppressive family dynamics, Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal)
Supervising qualifying therapists, Anxiety, Depression, Relationships, Trauma processing, Attachment wounds, Assertiveness, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Boundaries and boundary setting, Burnout, Building Meaningful Connections, Workplace stress, Break-up recovery, Childhood trauma, Trauma, Mental Decolonization, Connecting with your Inherent Power, Oppressive family dynamics, Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal)
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Therapy is hard work.

Finding the right therapist shouldn’t be. Over 10,000 Canadians found their new therapist with First Session.
What is culturally competent therapy?

Culturally competent therapy involves therapists who have developed the awareness, knowledge, and skills to work effectively across cultural differences. These therapists understand that culture influences how people experience mental health and seek help. They commit to ongoing learning about diverse communities and adapt their approaches to respect each client's cultural context.

How can culturally competent therapy help?

Many people find culturally competent therapy helpful because they feel understood and respected for who they are. It can support you in exploring concerns within the context of your cultural identity, without having to educate your therapist about basic aspects of your background. This approach helps ensure therapy feels relevant and that your cultural strengths are recognized.

What happens in a culturally competent session?

In culturally competent sessions, your therapist will take time to understand your cultural background and how it shapes your experiences. They'll avoid making assumptions and remain curious about your unique perspective. Sessions are collaborative, with your therapist adapting their approach based on what's meaningful and comfortable for you.

How do I find a culturally competent therapist?

On First Session, you can filter by specialty to find therapists who demonstrate cultural competence. Each therapist has a profile with an intro video so you can get a sense of their approach. You can book a session directly online or request a free consultation first. All therapists on the platform have their credentials verified during onboarding.

Is culturally competent therapy right for me?

Culturally competent therapy may be a good fit if your cultural background is important to you and you want a therapist who respects that. It's helpful if you've felt misunderstood by previous therapists or want someone who won't make assumptions about your experience. Consider booking a consultation to discuss whether this approach suits your needs.

How do I get started?

Getting started is simple. Browse culturally competent therapists on First Session and watch their intro videos to find someone whose approach resonates with you. Once you've found a match, you can book your first session directly online. Many therapists offer a free 15-minute consultation if you'd like to connect first. Learn more about how to find a therapist in Canada.